Arsene Wenger has tipped youngster Fran Merida to become a first-team regular at Arsenal.
The talented Spaniard, now age 19, wowed the Emirates last night as the young Gunners saw off Liverpool 2-1 in the Carling Cup.
Midfielder Merida, who will be out of contract at the end of this season, smashed in a stunning 25-yard opener.
Wenger revealed that he had offers to let Merida go on loan but decided to block any move away as he is a quality player and had the quality to break through to the first team.