Draw made for UEFA u-17 European Championships

England may not have qualified, but Arsenal will still have a representative at this summer’s UEFA under-17 European Championship in French striker Gilles Sunu. Sunu helped France qualify for the tournament last month and today the draw was made for the finals, with France set to face the holders Spain, as well as the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland in Group B. This year’s tournament will take place in Turkey from the 4th to the 16th of May, and you can view the draw in full below.

2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship draw
Group A	Group B
Turkey (hosts)	France
Netherlands	Republic of Ireland
Scotland	Spain (holders)
Serbia	Switzerland

Fran Merida signs new deal

Arsenal have today announced that Fran Merida has signed a new long-term contract with the club. Fran is currently on loan in Spain with Real Sociedad and played in the Carling Cup for Arsenal this season. There were some concerns over his future, as he has failed to feature regularly for the Spanish club, but Wenger has quashed those rumours by revealing that he has signed a new deal. Speaking to arsenal.com, he said

“Yes we have extended his contract,” confirmed the manager. “That was planned and it is good news because he is a very fine player. He is one for the future.

“The reports I have from [his loan spell in] Spain are that he does well everytime he plays. Fran is very technical. He still needs to grow physically but football-wise there is no problem. He is an absolutely amazing player.”

Fran will hope to be in action for Sociedad this weekend when they take on Hercules Alicante. You can find out how he does as well as how the other loanees get on right here on Arsenal Youth.