Sociedad get their Fran

Real Sociedad have completed the loan signing of Arsenal teenager Fran Merida.

The 17-year-old midfielder passed his medical with the Spanish second division club this morning before putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the Anoeta stadium until the end of the season.

Barcelona-born Merida was one of the players newly-appointed Sociedad president Inaki Badiola pledged to bring to the Basque club during the lead-up to the recent elections, which he won.

Sociedad, currently coached by former Fulham boss Chris Coleman, are seventh in the Segunda Division standings after 19 games, and this weekend host local rivals Alaves.

Merida joined Arsenal from his hometown club in summer 2006 and made his debut in the Carling Cup victory at Newcastle last September