MEXICAN wonderkids don’t usually flourish in North London.
Arsenal’s Carlos Vela and Tottenham’s Giovani dos Santos were both talented youngsters who failed to make their mark on English football.
Marcelo Flores is hoping to buck the trend and be a successful Mexican footballer in North LondonCredit: Instagram
But Marcelo Flores, 17, is hoping to buck that trend – and one day light up the Emirates.
A classic No10, the attacking midfielder, who was born in Canada and has a British passport, joined the Gunners from Ipswich in 2019.
Reports in his home country say he has signed a five-year deal with the club – who believe Marcelo is capable of following Bukayo Saka into the first team.
GUNNER BE GREAT
When Arsenal beat Barcelona, Manchester City and Chelsea to Marcelo’s signature in 2019, it was thought that he would play most of his football in their U16 side.
However, his progress was so rapid he appeared in the U18 Premier League side, as well as in the FA Youth Cup twice last season.
He has since joined the U18 level permanently, and last weekend scored two goals in a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Marcelo has been training with the Arsenal first team, impressing boss Mikel Arteta with his artistry on the ball.
His dad revealed that the Mexican U16 international is set to be tied up to a long-term deal with the Premier League side.
“He has a contract for the next two years to play in the U18, but I already have an agreement in which he will sign a professional contract for the next five years with Arsenal,” Ruben Flores told Milenio.
Flores signed for Arsenal from Ipswich last seasonCredit: Instagram
The proud father also revealed he sees his son following last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Saka into the Gunners first team.
He continued: “Two years ago Bukayo Saka used to play where Marcelo is playing now and last year he made his debut in the Champions League.
“Now they have given him a contract with the first team, he played all the games and is now a first team player.
“So, to put it in perspective, in two years Marcelo could be playing for Arsenal’s first team if the results come. That’s why they want to give him a professional contract.
“In addition, Per Mertesacker, world champion with Germany and former captain of Arsenal, is the director of the Academy and he has a lot of faith in him and he’s very excited to have Marcelo.
“They have treated him wonderfully and he offered him this contract for five years.”
FOOTBALL IN HIS BLOOD
The Flores family live and breathe football.
Dad Ruben played professionally in the 1980s and 90s in the Mexican top flight for clubs including Cruz Azul, Irapuato and Atlante.
Ruben Flores played in Mexico’s top flight in the 1980s and 90sCredit: Twitter
Silvana Flores is one of two of Marcelo’s sisters who play for Chelsea WomenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Flores has been progressing well within Arsenal’s academyCredit: Twitter
And he’s clearly passed on his footballing genes to his kids.
Not only is his son one of the most promising youngsters on the club’s books, he has two footballing daughters.
Marcelo’s sisters Silvana, 18, and Tatiana, 15, were also with Arsenal’s Women’s team until they signed for Chelsea this summer.
AZTEC HIS CHANCE
Not resting on his laurels, Marcelo has big plans for this season. He wants to break into the first team.
“Next season, I want to be a regular starter at Arsenal and perhaps break into the U18s team, and play more international games to get more experience,” he told the Daily Cannon back in 2019.
Flores loves watching Messi, Hazard, and RonaldinhoCredit: Instagram
Flores is hopeful of breaking into the Arsenal first team this seasonCredit: Instagram
And he hopes to follow his favourite players – including one controversial Gunner – in becoming a European football star.
“I love (Matteo) Guendouzi, he is a great player,” Flores revealed.
“I love how he always passes forward and how good and calm on the ball he is. I also love (Lionel) Messi, (Eden) Hazard and Ronaldinho, who is my favourite player.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
