MADRID, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- Spanish first division side Atleticode Madrid will sign Arsenal's Fran Merida, local media reported Tuesday.

    It will be a five-year deal for the 19-year-old Spanish midfielder.

    Merida's contract with the Gunners expires this summer.

    Merida was signed from Barcelona in 2007 but failed to secure a regular first-team spot at the London club.

    Atletico witnessed a poor start to the season and stood in 11thplace in the league, 17 points behind leaders Barcelona.