Atletico Madrid have confirmed they are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida.

The 19-year-old, who scored a great goal in the Gunners' midweek Carling Cup win over Liverpool, is out of contract next summer.

The former Barcelona youth player has made just three substitute Premier League appearances during his time at the Emirates Stadium, but his talent has not gone unregistered on Atletico's radar.

Merida is a free agent at the end of the season and the Primera Liga outfit say it is down to the player whether he wants to join them for next season.

"He has entered into our plans for next season," confirmed the club's president president Enrique Cerezo.

"He is a player that interests us. The decision rests with the kid because he is free in June."

Although the teenager is in talks with Arsenal over a new deal, he is undecided whether to extend his Emirates stay or return to Spain.

"At the moment I am talking to the club so I don't know what is going to happen," said the teenager.

"Hopefully everything is going to be all right but we are going to sit down and talk about it.

"I am really happy in London."