A UEFA tribunal is set to decide how much La Liga outfit Atlético Madrid will pay Arsenal if they complete a deal to sign Fran Mérida. The 19-year-old has rejected the offer of a new two-year development based contract with the Gunners in favour of a reported five-year deal at the Estadio Vicente Calderón.
Arsene Wenger has constantly spoken of his desire to keep the Spanish Under 21 international but warned that others were trying to destabilise the prospect and convince him his future lies away from the Emirates. Agent Joseba Diaz appears to be the man who Wenger was talking about, as he’s been in touch with several clubs and issued comments in the media that Fran was unhappy and keen for a return to his homeland.
Sevilla and former loan club Real Sociedad have both made advances but Mérida has met with senior Atlético officials and thrashed out a deal, which would see him remain with Arsenal until the summer when his contract expires. As the player is under 24, Madrid would be forced to pay compensation and the early signs are that the Gunners will struggle to agree a deal, meaning a tribunal would decide how much will change hands. A figure of around £3 milllion has been touted.
Many will no doubt be disappointed that Mérida has quit the club especially after he has become an increasing fixture in the Arsenal side, including featuring in the F.A Cup on Sunday. Confirmation is expected shortly.
Article By – J.Sanderson
200 Comments,
If Ribery goes to Madrid then I could see Hazard coming here, but he might be discouraged by all the other young talents we have here. If Merida leaves then maybe we should wait until the middle or the end of next year before we find anyone to replace him. Someone like Lansbury could emerge and make an impact so then we wouldn’t have to find a replacement for Merida. Wilshere will too but he might end up playing in the middle like Arsene said. But not next year. And don’t forget, we get new scholars every year so even if we don’t get someone like Hazard, we are bound to find another supremely talented person.
And we signed Zezinho, or are going to sign him.
Yeah you’re right Zezinho too. So whoever signs Hazard will get a potential major asset but we don’t have to be too jealous I guess lol. I’m kinda waiting for more news on Merida now cuz everything is in limbo now it seems.
looks like its not done yet, damn spanish media! could still sign a new contract
yeah I figured as much but I didn’t think Mr. Sanderson would fall for their bull!! lol. I did only because he did!! lol. Naaaa I know it’s impossible to always be right and I really really love this site. Sorry Mr. Sanderson lol. I’m not gonna call you James or Jamie cause i’ve never talked to you, so Mr.Sanderson you will be for now. lol
I am not to worried about it leaving. We have players that can replace him and are much younger. He wanted to do too much with the ball. He never had that break through like cesc did. He sort of knew his chances for first team action were limited with Ramsey playing so well and the same age as him. Good luck with athletico there not doing so good.
Spanish Media is the worst. They only have 2 newspapers companys and most of them make up story the first minute they here gossip/rumors.
Pedro Botelho played 77 minutes in Celta Vigo’s 1-1 draw to Villarreal in their Copa Del Ray. Even though they only drew, that’s a good outcome for a small club.
Just watched the first half of the celta vigo game. I was excited to finally see this Pedro Botelho play but to be honest, he was nothing special. He played left wing and there is no way he is even close to Arsenal quality right now. If he wasnt an Arsenal player then I would not have noticed him at all.
On the Hazard thing, some of you are on the right track but just dont get it. It doesnt matter what we have or who we sign this guy will be one of the very best in the world. Plus he isnt just one for the future, he is ready now. Its like C.Ronaldo or Messi being available for about 10 million and they say they want to play for you or 1 other club….you better not miss out on him. I dont care about another striker or 12 more 17 year old south americans until we have hazard locked up. We are building a squad for domination in 3 years so he would be the major piece missing.
Merida is going nowhere. All of this nonsense was generating from AS who have sold Cesc to Barce for 5 years now. Somehow he is still here. As (HAHAHAHA) is Merida.
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It would be a pity for Fran to go, but he has to look out for himself, it is his career after all. Ah such a cultured left foot, beautiful to watch at times.. I reckon the physicality of the prem has somewhat hindered him, but he will make his name in La Liga, in time.
He hasn’t actually signed a pre-contract yet with them, and his agent came out saying that he has still negotiating with Arsenal for a new deal. I read in multiple reports that Merida’s deal is valued as more important the Gallas’ right now. Merida’s agent said that he was hoping to stay at Arsenal, but the interest from Athletico might just be enough to push Arsenal for an improved contract. I would like him to stay and actually see what he has in him, he hasn’t been given too much of a chance to prove himself, and if came through Barcelona, then he has talent. Either way I wish him well.
Hey, ok, I get it, I guess – but does this really work?
Great idea, thanks for this tip!
Damn, that sound’s so easy if you think about it.