Arsenal have one of the top 50 youngsters in world football, Arteta says he’s ‘developing really, really well’

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told the Gunners media team that Marcelo Flores is “developing really, really well”.

The Hale End talent has trained with the Arsenal first-team on numerous occasions this season.

Flores impressed Arteta enough to earn a place on the Spaniard’s bench away at Crystal Palace on April 4.

The 18-year-old has made 20 appearances for Arsenal at age level this season, including eight in Premier League 2.

“It was great to have him around,” Arteta said of the impression Flores made.

“We had the chance to bring him in the squad, he’s been training with us regularly through the season.

“I think he’s developing really, really well, he’s doing well with the Under-23s and it’s great to see them closely.

“And for them to start to have some good experiences on matchday with the first team – because it’s how they start to understand what it takes to be a professional player, the pressure around it and start to live those moments – it’s key.”

“I’m sure he will make the right decision”

Flores joined Arsenal’s academy ranks in 2019, and represented Mexico for the first time at youth level in the same year.

He has since worked his way into Mexico’s senior squad, and made his international debut in a friendly against Chile last December.

Flores can pick between representing Mexico as well as Canada – his country of birth – and England.

All three nations have qualified for the World Cup in Qatar, which kicks off in November.

Flores still has freedom over who to represent until he has played a total of three senior matches for one country.

Arteta has backed the youngster to make the right decision.

“This is not my decision. Whatever I think, it doesn’t really matter,” the Arsenal manager said.

“He needs to feel it himself and I’m sure he will make the right decision because it will come from his heart.”

“Likely to make him a fan favourite”

In March, Goal.com named Flores in their NXGN 2022 list of the 50 best youngsters in world football.

The Arsenal gem was number 49 on the list.

“His playmaking ability and acrobatic celebrations are likely to make him a fan favourite once he inevitably breaks through at the Emirates Stadium,” wrote the outlet.