Merida wants quick deal

Arsenal youngster to gain Spanish experience

By Lucas Brown   Last updated: 8th January 2008

Fran Merida

Merida: President promise

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Fran Merida is hoping that his loan move from Arsenal to Real Sociedad will be completed by the weekend.

The Spain Under 17 international has made just three substitute appearances in the Carling Cup for the Gunners this season and is keen to return to his homeland to gain first-team experience.

Real Sociedad's president, Inaki Badiola, promised to bring the midfielder to the club as part of his pre-election manifesto and Merida is hoping that he keeps his promise.

Excited

"I am waiting for a call from my agent to tell me the deal with la Real is 100 per cent finalised and that I can go to San Sebastian tomorrow or Thursday at the latest," he told Marca.

"I want to play in their next game against Alaves (on Saturday).

"I am very excited about joining such an historic team like Real Sociedad and I am prepared to do everything I can to help them win promotion back to the Primera Division."

New arrivals

Sociedad currently sit seventh in the Segunda Division and Badiola held discussions with manager Chris Coleman on Monday to ascertain whether the Welshman is planning on staying with the club and if so which players he would like brought in.

The president promised to deliver Merida, along with other loanees Marc Crosas from Barcelona and Nikola Zigic from Valencia.

Coleman is believed to have been happy with the results of the meeting, but if he does decide to step down then Javier Irureta is in line to replace him.