Source: Team_Talk
Wenger has high hopes for Fran
The 19-year-old midfielder joined the Gunners from Barcelona's academy in September 2005 - a move which proved somewhat controversial and resulted in legal action taken against the player for compensation.[LNB]Since then, Merida has gained experience at Real Sociedad before returning to the Gunners and making his Premier League debut.[LNB]After impressing in the pre-season Emirates Cup and coming off the bench in the 4-1 win over Portsmouth, Merida hopes this can be his breakthrough campaign and is set to feature in Wednesday night's Carling Cup clash against Liverpool.[LNB]Wenger, though, was close to allowing the promising youngster to have another loan spell away at Levante, only to pull the plug on the deal at the last minute.[LNB]The Gunners boss believes his faith in Merida - now back at the club after helping Spain reach the knockout stages of the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt - will prove justified.[LNB]"Fran had a good pre-season and after the pre-season he was away a lot with Spain. Now he is back, so I hope he can show how good he is," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.[LNB]"I nearly gave him out on loan, but on the day I had to make the decision, I decided to keep him.[LNB]"It would have been good for him, but I felt that he has too much quality to go out.[LNB]"He just has football in his blood and these players always have a good chance to come through."[LNB]Wenger added: "We educate the players and then they play for somebody else and that I find a little bit too generous, especially when you have worked with them for years.[LNB]"I believe it is better to give them the maximum chance with your club."[LNB]Young forward Sanchez Watt will be hoping to get another chance to impress, having scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win over West Brom in the last round.[LNB]The 18-year-old was part of Arsenal's FA Youth Cup winning side last season, and has enjoyed his step up to the first-team squad, being on the bench for the Champions League opener at Standard Liege.[LNB]Wenger said: "I like Sanchez Watt because he is a little bit of a street player.[LNB]"He has fantastic runs, and is a committed striker. He always finds resources to be dangerous and works hard for the team.[LNB]"That is why I always include him with the group.[LNB]"He is very close to the first team and I believe he will really be a threat for the strikers."[LNB]France winger Samir Nasri is set for his first appearance of the season having recovered from a fractured leg suffered during the Gunners' summer training camp in Austria.[LNB]"What is good for him is he is fresh, has prepared well and he can be an important asset in the coming weeks," said Wenger.[LNB]Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is another looking to sharpen up his match fitness on Wednesday night, after coming back from knee surgery with the reserves last week.[LNB][LNB] Arsenal v Liverpool. Click here to bet.
