Source: Telegraph
Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida completes switch to Atletico Madrid
Merida has been at Arsenal since 2006, having previously been part of the youth set-up at home-town club Barcelona, but his deal with the Gunners expires on June 30.[LNB]The 20 year-old will be presented by the recently-crowned Europa League champions at 12.30pm local time on Friday at the Vicente Calderon stadium, a statement on Atletico's website confirmed.[LNB] Related ArticlesFabregas 'wants quick move'Bracewell-Smith suffers Arsenal auction blowArsenal Trust urge caution from shareholderFifa should copy NBA in Cesc Fabregas affairFifa can learn from NBABarcelona plan 'respectful' chaseArsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, had been keen for Merida to stay in north London after he delivered some encouraging performances in the Carling Cup. [LNB]He scored a superb individual goal in the fourth-round victory over Liverpool at the Emirates last October but struggled to establish himself in Wenger's Premier League squad and hinted that he would consider his future at the end of the season.[LNB]In total, Merida played 16 times for Arsenal, scoring two goals. He also enjoyed a loan spell with Spanish side Real Sociedad in 2008.[LNB]
