5 highly thought of academy players who failed to make it at Arsenal

#4 Fran Merida

Fran Merida

Arriving at Arsenal from Barcelona in 2005 after signing professional terms with the Gunners after his 17th birthday, Fran Merida was tipped to be Cesc Fabregas’ potential successor.

The Spaniard showed early signs of promise at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger described him as “an absolutely amazing player” during his early career. However, the arrival of Kyle Ebecilio in 2010 probably meant limited appearances in an Arsenal shirt, thus resulting in a permanent move away.

Upon departing Arsenal for Atletico Madrid in 2010, Merida claims that Arsene Wenger begged him not to leave the club and after a failed spell with the Spanish giants, he’s surely wishing he listened to his former manager.

Spending most his time in the Spanish second division, Merida made a move to Osasuna in 2016 where he played a year in La Liga before the club were relegated. At 27, the Spaniard is just entering his prime as a midfielder and so it will be interesting where he ends up next.