Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal set to lose promising Merida as Spaniard eyes dream move to Madrid
Fran Merida looks increasingly set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season and return to his native Spain next summer after the promising midfielder's agent indicated his client's love for Atletico Madrid.[LNB]Merida, 19, is out of contract at the end of the season and is stalling on the offer of a new five-year deal at the Emirates which has been on the table for some time.[LNB]Atletico are free to talk to Merida, who scored his first goal for Arsenal in the Carling Cup win over Liverpool last week, in January and judging by the comments of his agent, Joseba Diaz, he certainly is ready to listen to their offer.[LNB] The long goodbye: Promising prospect Fran Merida is expected to see out his contract and quit Arsenal in favour of a return to his Spanish homeland [LNB]'We only have an offer from Arsenal but Fran Merida has an illness, for want of a better word, and that is Atletico Madrid and you can't do anything about that,' said Diaz.[LNB] 'It started in 1996 when Atletico won the league and the Copa del Rey. He slept on red and white sheets, he followed Atletico whenever he had the chance. [LNB]'Even when he was with his family he wore a gold ring with the Atletico badge stuck on it.'[LNB]Merida's family are also said to be keen on his returning to Spain next July and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks set to lose one of his brightest youth prospects. [LNB] Sagna: Arsenal are simply the best and we will win the Premier LeagueArsenal defender Gael Clichy laid up for a month after suffering broken backARSENAL FC
