Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has spoken of his pleasure at seeing fellow Barcelona protégé Fran Merida get on the score sheet at the weekend and revealed that he has spoken to the young midfielder about the possibility of signing a new deal at the Emirates.
Merida, who calmly notched Arsenal’s second against Bolton on Sunday, is currently free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club with his current deal in north London set to expire. Speculation has mounted recently about a return to Spain for the exciting playmaker with Atletico Madrid thought to be keen.
Speaking to the Arsenal official matchday programme, Fabregas stated:
“I was very pleased for Fran Merida, who scored his first league goal. It’s a real shame though that he injured his foot. I didn’t realise that until the next day and it’s a shame because it looked like he would have a good opportunity to have a place in the team to show what he can do.
“It’s been frustrating for him because he hasn’t played three games in a row for a couple of years. That makes it very difficult for any player to show what you can do. Everyone one at Arsenal believes in him, so hopefully he’ll be back soon.
“I have spoken to him about his future, because he will be out of contract soon. I didn’t persuade him to sign or not sign, I just told him my feelings, but of course whatever he decides will be down to him. That’s for him to say.”
Merida may have missed last night’s re-match with Bolton Wanderers but the Gunners still ran out 4-2 winners with Fabregas once again instrumental. Arsenal now sit top of the Premier League on goals scored although Chelsea have a game in hand.