Adams To Turn To Old Friend Wenger As Arsenal Duo Set For Portsmouth Loan?

Adams To Turn To Old Friend Wenger As Arsenal Duo Set For Portsmouth Loan?


Portsmouth manager Tony Adams wants to bring Carlos Vela and Fran Merida to Fratton Park on loan from his former club Arsenal after revealing that Pompey were no longer interested in Argentine, Javier Saviola at Real Madrid, according to reports.

Despite signing for the Gunners in 2005, 19-year-old Vela had to wait until this season before making his debut for the Premier League club due to work permit issues, which resulted in loan spells at Spanish sides Salamanca and Osasuna. Vela has made 8 appearances for Arsenal in the Premiership this season, but has limited opportunities of late and has been linked with Hull City and West Bromwich Albion in the past.

Adams is ready to offer Vela the chance of more regular football on the South coast, with it understood that the Mexican International will be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium, should the North London club be successful in the long running saga to finalise a deal for main transfer target Andrei Arshavin.

However, Portsmouth are also said to be interested in former Barcelona starlet Merida, who Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described as a “late developer” and claimed a need for patience after the midfielder attracted attention with his performances in the Carling Cup this season.

Like Vela, 18-year-old Merida has also spent time out on loan in Spain, with the Spanish Under-21 International making 14 appearances for Real Sociedad in the Spanish Segunda Division last season.

Arsenal are expected to let some of their youngsters leave on loan this month, with Pompey boss Adams looking set to reap the rewards of his relationship with Wenger, having played under the Frenchman at Highbury for six-years as Gunners captain before retiring.