Merida handed first team squad number
Attacking midfielder Fran Merida has finally been handed a squad number for the season, after initially being earmarked for another loan spell in Spain.
Merida has not made the most number of appearances for Arsenal, having spent the majority of his time at the club since his arrival in 2006 at Spanish side Real Sociedad.
But an encouraging performance in the Emirates Cup against Atletico Madrid and Rangers, plus raving reviews from Sociedad, has seen Merida been promoted to the first team this season.
The 19-year-old Catalan said: "When Pat Rice told me I was moving into the first-team dressing room it was a great moment.
"Of course I was always confident, if I thought 'I can't do this' then there's no point. I always believed I could do it and now I am part of this fantastic team with great players.
"I am very pleased, very happy because it has been three or four seasons. You have to stay patient, I always was and I know I am there now. I am just going to work even harder to get my chance. I know the players will help me so I'm looking forward to a fantastic season.
"The Emirates Cup was nice because it is in front of the fans and always against some great clubs. For me it was fantastic, I wasn't expecting the call-up and I really enjoyed it."
Merida has been handed the number 46 for the season. View his profile here.
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When Pat Rice told me I was moving into the first-team dressing room it was a great moment.
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