Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida is set to win a new long-term deal.

The Mirror says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is pleased with Merida - who has already played for Spain Under-21s - and put him on as a substitute against Portsmouth and now sees him as potential cover for Cesc Fabregas.

Merida has got himself in good shape after a hard pre-season and will now be a regular member of the first team squad.