Source: Telegraph
Arsenal's Fran Merida has 'illness' for Atletico Madrid says agent
The 19 year-old Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season, at which point he can leave for nothing, and has yet to sign a new deal. [LNB]Atletico have already expressed an interest in signing the midfielder, who announced himself on the world stage with sensational goal against Liverpool in the Carling Cup. [LNB] Related ArticlesWenger not worried about Kroenke takeoverArsenal lose Gael Clichy to injuryGibbs wants to prove Arsenal worth firstKroenke increases Arsenal stake to 29.6 per centEmmanuel Eboue: I would like to play for PSGAtletico president, Enrique Cerezo, said: "He has entered into our plans for next season. He is a player that interests us. The decision rests with the kid because he is free in June."[LNB]Now Merida's agent, Joseba Diaz, has added to the uncertainty surrounding Merida's future, and is quoted in the Daily Mail as saying: "We 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."[LNB]Merida, on the other hand, has expressed his content at Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger will do all he can do pin the promising player down to a long-term deal. [LNB]Merida said: 'At the moment I am talking to the club so I don't know what is going to happen. [LNB]'I am really happy here so hopefully everything is going to be ok. We are going to sit down and talk about (a new contract). I am really happy in London." [LNB]
