Arsenal could face a fight to keep promising midfielder Fran Merida with Atletico Madrid hovering over the starlet.

According to AS, the Spanish midfielder is 'pleased' by the interest shown from the Madrid side.

"Atletico are one of the best clubs in Spain and a Champions League club," the teenager told AS.

"This is news to make me content but I have a deal signed with Arsenal until June 2010 and I still have not decided my future.

"I have not accepted the offer from Arsenal for five more seasons but this does not change things. I want to study the situation calmly and decide what is best."