Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
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Merida considers his options

11 Jan 2010 - 16:53:52

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fears that he may lose highly-rated Spanish teenager Fran Merida.

The 19-year-old was believed to have agreed a new contract with the Gunners two months ago but Wenger admits that nothing has actually been signed.

He said: "We have not progressed there. I'm concerned, yes."

Merida has been linked with a return to his homeland, but was recently quoted as saying: "At the moment I am in talks with the boss. I told him I needed a bit of time.

"The first thing in my mind is definitely to stay here, but I have to look at a few things and we will see how things progress.

"My agent and I are only talking to Arsenal at the moment, though, and nobody else - I want to see how my situation looks here and then I will decide what to do."

Merida came on as a late substitute during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Everton at the Emirates Stadium, his 14th appearance for the club.

He missed part of the season due to his Under-20 World Cup commitments with Spain.