Arsenal ordered to pay £2.2m for teen star

Arsenal are facing a £2.2million bill for snatching Fran Merida away from Barcelona's youth ranks after the Spanish club won a civil court ruling against the player yesterday.

The La Liga side were furious after the brilliant young midfielder walked out of the Nou Camp aged 15 and then signed for Arsenal once he passed his 16th birthday.

In Spanish law no footballer under 16 can sign a professional contract and following the success of Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal a stream of youngsters have made the switch from La Liga to the Premier League.

Barcelona protested to UEFA about the situation and then sued the player for his "formation costs and future value" in the Spanish civil courts.

Reports from the Nou Camp indicate that the judgement against Merida is worth up to £2.2m although it is understood Arsenal will pay the money on behalf of the 17-year-old.

Insiders at Emirates Stadium say, however, they have acted appropriately and the club are not implicated in any way.

Merida has made just one substitute appearance for the first team in the Carling Cup this season