Merida joins Levante on-loan

Midfielder Fran Merida has joined Spanish club Levante on-loan, according to Sky Sports News. There hasn't been anything official from the club, but Spanish sources have confirmed the deal and are expecting it to be announced later today.

It's not the first time that Merida has gone on-loan, and we're all starting to wonder if he will ever nail down a permanent role in the Arsenal team. The 19-year-old Spaniard spent half of the 2007/08 season on-loan at Real Sociedad. I suppose it's a bit difficult to break into the first team when you are essentially competing with Francesc Fabregas for a position in the team.

Levante's sporting director Manuel Salvador believes Merida can lead the team towards promotion from Spain's Segunda Division. He said: "This player (Merida) could be very important for us after the exit of Alex Geijo. We have fought for his services because Arsenal have received many offers this summer."

Merida shone in the Emirates Cup match against Scottish champions Rangers, when he played as a second striker supporting Eduardo, and laid on the pass for the Brazilian to score the second goal of the match.

Cheers to GeezyPeas for the heads-up.

User Comments

bainey26

Posted on 7 Aug, 2009 at 03:57 PM - Reply

I personally thought merida was very poor during the emirates, and this guy is supposed to be the next cesc. Im sorry but it will never happen. He just wont cut it in the long run.

SOUTH YORKSHIRE GUNNER

Posted on 7 Aug, 2009 at 03:56 PM - Reply

I would have liked to have seen him and Ramsey push for either Denilson or Songs place in the team. He can't be any worse...

JCWRoberts

Posted on 7 Aug, 2009 at 03:19 PM - Reply

Unfortunately I cannot see Fran ever breaking into the first team squad on a regular basis. Who is he going to replace ? To replace either Denilson or Cesc he would have to show that he can score goals from central midfield on a regular basis -something we have been missing for quite sometime !!!!. Having said that I am not pessimistic about the forthcoming season but we do need to get off to a good start as the character of the team does seem to be a little too fragile- Nicklas Bendtner is the classic case in this respect.

jonathanchong

Posted on 7 Aug, 2009 at 01:12 PM - Reply

Hi Terri. Even if Merida didn't go out on-loan, I think we're well stocked in the midfield department.

Plus, having that regular playing time at an away side is also invaluable.

Terri

Posted on 7 Aug, 2009 at 01:06 PM - Reply

Why do we keeep loaning out players that we should be keeping at the club to cover for injuries
The lad played well at the Emirates and should be given a chance this season

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