Arsenal striker signs for Atletico Madrid
Published 10:27 05/01/10 By John Cross
Arsenal striker Fran Merida is off to Atletico Madrid after agreeing a five-year contract with the Spanish club.
It is believed Merida - who turns 20 in March - has signed a pre-contract with Atletico after failing to win a regular place at Arsenal.
MirrorFootball reported on October 15 that Arsenal were furious that Atletico had "tapped-up" Merida and the Spanish club have finally got their man.
Arsenal offered Merida a new contract but the midfielder - a star for Spain in last year's World u-20 Championships - decided to return to his home country.
Arsenal had to pay £3million in compensation after a court battle with Barcelona after signing Merida as a 16-year-old. Arsenal will be due some compensation costs.
Merida's agent Joseba Diaz said: "It is not a question about money but it is because he wants to play. He is very grateful to Wenger and Arsenal but wants to build a career in Spain."
