Liga giants Atletico Madrid have confirmed the club are interested in signing Arsenal starlet Fran Merida.
The teenage Spaniard's future remains uncertain with his Gunners contract due to expire at the end of the season.
The former Barcelona youngster is being linked with a move to Vicente Calderon, although Atletico claim they are not the only interested party.
Atletico believe the 19-year-old is one of the brightest talents in Europe and say competition for his coveted signature is fierce.
"Of course we are interested. He is one of the best young players in Europe," president Enrique Cerezo told Marca .
"But just as we are thinking of it, many other teams in Europe will be thinking the same.
"I'm sure that he has many offers because that is what someone of his quality deserves."
No pre-contractMerida's representative, Joseba Diaz, says nothing has been signed with Atletico despite reports of a five-year deal being finalised.
Diaz insists the youngster's priority is to stay at Emirates Stadium and that negotiations with other clubs will begin if talks with the Gunners fail to bear fruit.
"We haven't signed anything with Atletico because, simply, the only club with whom we are negotiating is Arsenal," said Diaz.
"The absolute priority of the lad is to renew with them. I repeat: There has been no agreement with anybody.
"Only if we don't renew with Arsenal will it be the moment to talk with other clubs. There's been interest from four clubs in Spain but I've not sat down to negotiate with any of them.
"Arsenal have the priority. Moreover, as always, they are acting like gentlemen."
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