Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has added fuel to the reports linking Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida with a return to Spain after admitting he is interested in signing the player.
Merida, 19, has so far refused to sign an extension to a contract which expires this summer, giving boss Arsene Wenger concern that he may leave in order to find first-team football.
Atletico have been listed as prime suitors for the Barcelona-born playmaker, who had a successful loan spell at Real Sociedad two seasons ago and starts Carling Cup matches but has yet to fully break into the Gunners first-team.
"Of course we are interested. He is one of the best young players in Europe," Cerezo told Marca. "But just as we are thinking of it, many other teams in Europe will be thinking the same. I'm sure that he has many offers because that is what someone of his quality deserves."
Merida's agent Joseba Diaz said nothing has been signed with any club, saying the only team they are currently in talks with are Arsenal.
"We haven't signed anything with Atletico because, simply, the only club with whom we are negotiating is Arsenal," Diaz told Marca.
"The absolute priority of the lad is to renew with them. I repeat: There has been no agreement with anybody.
"Only if we don't renew with Arsenal will it be the moment to talk with other clubs. There's been interest from four clubs in Spain but I've not sat down to negotiate with any of them.
"Arsenal have the priority. Moreover, as always, they are acting like gentlemen.
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Friday, January 8, 2010
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