Merida set for Sociedad loan

Highly-rated midfielder could make return to Spain

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 27th December 2007

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Arsenal have reached an agreement to loan highly-rated teenager Fran Merida to Real Sociedad, according to the Spanish club's potential new president Iakku Badiola.

The Gunners are said to be ready to allow Merida, 17, to move on loan in the January transfer window and the midfielder would then stay in Spain until the end of the season.

Merida joined Arsenal in 2006 from Barcelona and signed a professional contract with the Gunners on his 17th birthday.

A move to Sociedad would see Merida, who has made three appearances for Arsenal in this season's Carling Cup, link up with former Fulham boss Chris Coleman who is now manager at the Estadio Anoeta.

Badiola is a candidate for Sociedad's vacant presidential role and he will stand in January's elections following the resignation of former chief Maria de la Pena.

And Badiola insists an agreement with Arsenal is in place and the deal could also be extended to a further season if Sociedad, who currently sit sixth in Spain's Segunda division, gain promotion to La Liga.

Badiola's appointment would also cast doubts over the future of Coleman who has come under pressure in Spain since taking charge of Sociedad in the summer.