http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/fran-merida-ha-firmado-atletico/dasftb/20100105dasdaiftb_11/Tes (spanish) AS is reporting that Arsenal midfield youngster Fran Merida, who is Spanish, has agreed to a five-year deal with Atletico Madrid. No word on how much Arsenal may have been paid in exchange seeing has how he is under 24-years old. Merida has made five appearances in all contests for Arsenal this season scoring one goal in Carling Cup action. Merida found himself largely out of the midfield reserve shuffle with the Gunners. Arsenal is overloaded with talented young midfielders at the moment and more players will be sacrificed before they settle on who the present, the future, and the never will be. Arsenal's youthful midfield includes starters Samir Nasri (22), Cesc Fabregas (22), Alex Song (22), and Abou Diaby (23), along with first team reserves Aaron Ramsey (19), Mark Randall (20), Denilson (21), and Jack Wilshire (18). Emmanuel Eboue (26) and Thomas Rosicky (28) round out the midfield. Arsenal also has about a dozen midfield prospects on the youth squad between 17-19 years old.
