Merida makes Sociedad move

Teenager heads to Spain on loan

By James Dall   Last updated: 9th January 2008

fran merida arsenal

Merida: Sociedad switch

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Arsenal's Fran Merida has completed his loan move to Real Sociedad.

The 17-year-old has passed a medical with the Segunda Division side, and has penned a deal that will keep him at the Anoeta stadium until the end of the season.

The Spain Under 17 international has made just three substitute appearances in the Carling Cup for The Gunners this season and moves to Spain in a bid to gain first-team experience.

Sociedad, currently managed by former Fulham boss Chris Coleman, are seventh in the Segunda Division standings after 19 games, and host local rivals Alaves this weekend.

Merida joined Arsenal from his hometown club in summer 2006 and made his debut in the Carling Cup victory at Newcastle last September.