Arsenal starlet Fran Merida is unaware of suggestions he
could be joining Real Sociedad on loan in the New
Year.
Sociedad presidential candidate Inaki Badiola claims he will sign
the teenage midfielder, if he wins the upcoming election.
Badiola hopes to bring in Merida for the second half of the season,
and also set up a loan deal for the 2008/09 campaign, should
Sociedad earn promotion to La Liga.
But Merida, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona 18 months ago, has
not been informed of any proposal from Sociedad.
"At the moment I am not aware of it," Merida told EFE about a loan
move to Sociedad.
Happy
Merida, though, admitted he would be happy to head out on loan in
January, if Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger deems it necessary.
He added: "At Arsenal, I am happy, but if Wenger says that the best
thing for me is a move I will be happy.
"And if I have to stay, I will be happy here."
The 17-year-old made his first-team debut for the Gunners earlier
this season in the Carling Cup and has now made three substitute
appearances in the competition.