Cesc & Merida Walk Similar Paths, AW Loves Both

The career paths of both Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida are so freakishly similar it's untrue, and in the past fortnight both have staked their claims in the club.

The Arsenal captain appears to be back to his best, not only pulling all the strings from the centre of the park, but he's back in the goals too (a coincidence that when we challenged for the title 2 years ago the little Spaniard frequently found the net, and that last seasons campaign was more of politely asked question than a challenge when he was injured?). Managing to juggle being a captain, denying every single transfer rumour in the history of mankind and putting in world beating displays to magnificent effect.

What is pleasing Wenger the most the is Cesc's ability, despite already being one of the best players in the world, to improve season after season.

The Arsenal gaffer was eager to move away from player comparisons with Messi and Ronaldo and just aim some praise for the Gunners captain from point blank.

'I am not too keen on these comparisons because Cesc is a midfielder, I believe he is one of the best of course and all the rest we leave to the media.'

"What is good for me is that he has improved defensively and offensively. What is good as well is that he is 22 years old so there is a lot more to come from him. If he keeps the same attitude a lot more will come from him.'

Cesc Fabregas is a legend at this club at the tender age of 22, but it's not just his footballing skills that endears him to the fans, it's his uncanny ability to say the right things, to wear his heart on his sleeve and his honesty.

He's never made secret of his desire to one day return to his native Spain to ply his trade at the top level in his homeland before he retires, and I think his upfront honesty means the large majority of Arsenal fans have already made their peace with his departure despite the fact that he probably won't be leaving for at least five more years.

However Arsene Wenger has never been one to ignore the big picture, infact he sometimes seems to possess the knack of being able to see into the future (remember the 'Comical Wenger' t-shirts United fans?) and it would come as no surprise if Arsene Wenger brought Fran Merida to the Gunners to replace Cesc directly in a few years.

That's not to say that Fran will turn his potential into reality, but the boss believes he has what it takes and is in the process of tying him down to a new deal.

Indeed Wenger claims everything is agreed in principal, and is just waiting for Merida to put pen to paper.

'He has an offer that he has agreed and he has not signed yet claimed the gaffer.

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