There is a very real danger Arsenal Football Club could lost Fran Merida in the summer.

Arsene Wenger is desperate to keep the Spanish youngster at the Emirates Stadium on a long-term basis, but his current deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

Atletico Madrid have made no secret of their desire to sign Merida on a free transfer, and the Daily Mai report how the player’s agent, Joseba Diaz, clearly feels this is a possibility.

"We only 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," said Diaz.

"It started in 1996 when Atletico won the league and the Copa del Rey. He slept on red and white sheets, he followed Atletico whenever he had the chance.”

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