OFFICIAL: Atletico Madrid Sign Fran Merida From Arsenal

The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the club he supports, rejecting the Gunners offer...

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Arsenal starlet Fran Merida on a free transfer, after the player could not agree terms with the English side.

The Gunners were keen to hold onto the 20-year old, who had been on the periphery of the first team at the Emirates, but refused their offer of a new contract, allowing los Colchoneros to pounce.

Merida has penned a five-year deal with Atletico, the club that he supported as a boy, and pending a medical he will be available for the European Supercup clash with Inter that will kick off the 2010/11 season.

The Barcelona-born midfielder moved to London in the summer of 2007, and although his appearances in the first team were limited, he was highly regarded by manager Arsene Wenger and considered an important player for the future.

However, Merida has chosen to swap Premier League for La Liga and will form part of Atletico Madrid's bid for success both domestically and in their defence of their Europa League crown.