Merida tempted by Atletico

Fran Merida’s agent has hinted that the Arsenal starlet would find it hard to turn down a move to Atletico Madrid.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been hailed as an exciting prospect for some time and produced another example of his talent with a fine goal in the Carling Cup victory over Liverpool last week.

Merida revealed after the match that he was in talks over a new deal at Emirates Stadium, with his current contract set to expire at the end of this season.

Arsene Wenger, who is a huge admirer of the Catalonia born player, looks forward to retaining his services.

However, reports have surfaced linking him with a move back to his homeland.

Atletico have confirmed they are keeping track of Merida’s progress, with president Enrique Cerezo saying the decision could rest with the player.

Merida’s representative Joseba Diaz has now indicated that his client would find the idea of joining Atletico appealing.

“We have an offer from Arsenal but Fran Merida has an ‘illness’, for want of a better word, and that is Atletico Madrid and you can’t do anything about that,” Diaz said in the Daily Mail.

Merida, who joined Barcelona’s youth ranks at the age of eight, joined the London-based giants in 2005.