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OFFICIAL: Atletico Madrid sign Fran Merida from Arsenal
Spaniard signs five-year deal with club rejecting the Gunners' offer...
23 May 2010 18:36:00
By Paul Macdonald
Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Arsenal starlet Fran Merida on a free transfer, after the player could not agree terms with the English side.
The Gunners were keen to hold onto the 20-year-old, who had been on the periphery of the first team at the Emirates, but refused their offer of a new contract, allowing los Colchoneros to pounce.
Merida has penned a five-year deal with Atletico, the club that he supported as a boy, and pending a medical he will be available for the European Supercup clash with Inter that will kick off the 2010-11 season.
The Barcelona-born midfielder moved to London in the summer of 2007, and although his appearances in the first team were limited, he was highly regarded by manager Arsene Wenger and considered an important player for the future.
However, Merida has chosen to swap the Premier League for La Liga and will form part of Atletico Madrid's bid for success both domestically and in the defence of their Europa League crown.
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The Gunners were keen to hold onto the 20-year-old, who had been on the periphery of the first team at the Emirates, but refused their offer of a new contract, allowing los Colchoneros to pounce.
Merida has penned a five-year deal with Atletico, the club that he supported as a boy, and pending a medical he will be available for the European Supercup clash with Inter that will kick off the 2010-11 season.
The Barcelona-born midfielder moved to London in the summer of 2007, and although his appearances in the first team were limited, he was highly regarded by manager Arsene Wenger and considered an important player for the future.
However, Merida has chosen to swap the Premier League for La Liga and will form part of Atletico Madrid's bid for success both domestically and in the defence of their Europa League crown.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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