Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid announced the signing of Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida on Tuesday.

Merida, who is 20-years-old, has agreed a four year contract with the Europa League winners after rejecting offers of a new deal with Arsenal.

He is Atletico's first signing for next season and arrives at the club with the task of adding creativity to a midfield that has struggled at times to produce creative football.

Merida left the Barcelona youth system to sign for Arsenal four years ago, but struggled to emulate fellow Catalan, Cesc Fabrigas and break through into the first team.

He made just 16 first team appearances for Arsenal, scoring two goals, while the English club sent him to Spain on loan spells with Deportivo Alaves and Real Sociedad.