Fran Merida could be persuaded to stay with Arsenal if Cesc Fabregas leaves.

The Spanish youngster has so far baulked at penning a new contract offer, which has been on the table since February.

However, with Cesc on the brink of joining Barcelona, he could see the captain's likely exit as an opening for him to stay on and cement a place in the first team rather than head back to Spain with Atletico Madrid.