Atletico Madrid have swooped for Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida. AS says the Spain U21 international has agreed a five-year pre-contract deal with Atletico and will return to Spain at the end of the season on a Bosman.
Merida actually rejected a five-year contract offer from Arsenal in September and is now set to see out the remaining six months with the Gunners before joining Atletico on a free transfer.
The 19 year-old arrived at Arsenal via Barcelona and was being groomed as a potential successor for Gunners captain and Spain star Cesc Fabregas.