Wenger hopes Merida can be persuaded to remain a Gunner
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is convinced that teenager Fran Merida will remain at the club despite the midfielder being linked with a return to his homeland.
The 19-year-old scored for Arsenal in their 2-0 victory over Bolton in the weekend and could feature again in the return game on Wednesday night.
A win for the Gunners in that match could propel Arsenal to the top of the table, ahead of rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, and ensure they are firmly embroiled in the Premier League title race.
Merida is set to be given more first-team football in the coming weeks as Wenger is suffering with an injury crisis at the Emirates, with midfielders Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey the latest to be hit.
The Spaniard had been linked with a return to Spain with Athletico Madrid when his contract finishes at the end of this season, however Wenger can see him remaining at Arsenal long-term.
"I believe, yes [he will stay] - I have not given up on him," said Wenger. "Merida was very influential against Bolton, he has good technique, he kept the ball very well and is dangerous."
Wenger is currently without ten first team players due to injury, but he hopes Theo Walcott and Denilson can return for the vital Premier League match against Bolton on Wednesday.
He recently moved to bolster his defence by re-signing former England international Sol Campbell to give his team some extra depth, as well as to boost their Champions League odds and their chances of winning the Premier League.
