Barcelona starlet Merida training with Arsenal - March 16, 2006
Arsenal are set to land Barcelona whizkid Fran Merida.
The 15 year-old played in a bounce game on Tuesday morning against Reading, which marked the comeback of defender Sol Campbell.
Arsene Wenger expects the Spanish youth international midfielder to sign the moment he turns 16 next month.
But Merida will not cost Arsenal a penny because of a legal loophole. His parents put pen to paper on a Barca contract on his behalf in 2003 but the deal was not signed by the club.
The Spanish giants were so angry with Arsenal over Fabregas, 18, they threatened to make a FIFA complaint.
Barca eventually got £1million and Giovanni van Bronckhorst on a free.
The 15 year-old played in a bounce game on Tuesday morning against Reading, which marked the comeback of defender Sol Campbell.
Arsene Wenger expects the Spanish youth international midfielder to sign the moment he turns 16 next month.
But Merida will not cost Arsenal a penny because of a legal loophole. His parents put pen to paper on a Barca contract on his behalf in 2003 but the deal was not signed by the club.
The Spanish giants were so angry with Arsenal over Fabregas, 18, they threatened to make a FIFA complaint.
Barca eventually got £1million and Giovanni van Bronckhorst on a free.
