Arsenal U-23 manager Kevin Betsy has lauded Hale End prospect Marcelo Flores, who is the latest name to make waves in the youth scene for the Gunners.
Speaking to the Athletic, the former England youth coach has praised the development of the teenage midfielder, who made his senior debut for Mexico before making his first appearance for Arsenal’s U-23 side.
Flores, who can play for three nations, has recently made the step up to Betsy’s side, and the midfielder has impressed for the U-23s, with many Arsenal fans tipping the youngster to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
With Charlie Patino making his debut for Arsenal’s first team this season, Flores could be the next player to break into the senior set-up under Mikel Arteta. And for Betsy, the teenager has qualities that will excite supporters.
The Arsenal U-23 coach said: “He has already shown his quality. We believe in him as a young footballer and fantastic character. He wants to learn and improve everyday and you are seeing his positive performances.”
Betsy added on Arsenal talent Flores: “His work rate out of possession is excellent. He’s had to work very hard with that. He’s a very creative player, a natural attacking player and what you find with those types of players is they like it when they have the ball.”
Flores can break into Arsenal’s senior squad next season
Hale End had been a development machine in recent years with a slew of exciting names coming through Arsenal’s academy, and Flores could easily become the next talent to break through into the first team.
Arteta has shown he is willing to integrate youth into the senior squad, and with Flores already playing for Mexico’s national team, the Arsenal youngster has the quality and the potential to line up alongside Saka and Smith Rowe in the first team sooner rather than later.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
