Arsenal star makes important international decision

The most recent international break saw Mikel Arteta bid farewell to a full 15 senior players as they jetted off to join their respective countries, a figure Arsenal have rarely seen that high.

Heavy summer recruitment changed that, as seen by there being only three Gunners players involved at the 2020 Euros.

It’s a number that keeps on climbing as more emerging young talents earn international recognition, with the latest of those set to be highly rated 18-year-old Marcelo Flores.

Flores has been in sparkling form for the Under-18 side this season, netting six goals and registering two assists in nine league outings, form he carried over with Mexico’s Under-20 side as they won the inaugural 2021 Revelations Cup in November.

Arsenal star Marcelo Flores makes key international decision as Under-18 star decides to represent the senior Mexico international team

The attacking midfielder, who can play across the front, was on target twice in victories against Brazil and the United States, with  his performances and acrobatic somersaults goal celebrations garnering huge attention. He was duly named Player of the Tournament.

Those watchful eyes came from both Canada and England, two countries that Flores could have represented at senior level. Being born in Canada meant he could represent them, while he had the opportunity to star for England having been granted a British passport earlier in 2021.

However, as per Charles Watts, Flores has decided to continue featuring for Mexico, the country of his father’s birth, and Arsenal have granted him permission to fly out on Wednesday to link up with El Tri having been called up for a friendly next week against Chile in the United States.

Such has been the level of his performances that there are calls for him to move up an age group and feature for Kevin Betsy’s Under-23 side. Already he’s been given the chance to train with the first team under Arteta, and the pathway is there for him to follow in the footsteps of Charlie Patino, Omari Hutchinson and Salah Oulad M’Hand before him.

"“Ever since Marcelo was a little boy he has kicked a ball,” his father, Ruben Flores, says.“If I used to go out to work in jeans and a T-shirt, he would just give me a kiss and say goodbye. But if I was wearing football gear, he would start asking questions straight away.“Then he would just go and get his boots and his ball and before I’d get to the car, he would be there and I’d have to take him with me. He’s just always loved football.”"

Another exciting academy starlet taking huge strides in his career and development.