Levante have welcomed the loan signing of Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida.

Levante, who will celebrate their centennial year during the upcoming season, are looking to gain promotion from Spain's Segunda Division.

The club's sporting director Manuel Salvador believes Merida can lead the team towards this goal after the departure of striker Alexandre Geijo to Racing Santander.

"This player (Merida) could be very important for us after the exit of Alex Geijo. We have fought for his services because Arsenal have received many offers this summer," he said.

Merida's agent, Joseba Diaz, says that his client will be happy to play for Levante during the new campaign.