Marcelo Flores has set his sights on becoming a “club legend” with Arsenal and hopes to take inspiration from Bukayo Saka’s rapid rise to prominence at the Emirates, speaking to Goal Espana.
Technically speaking, it was Unai Emery who gave perhaps the most exciting, home-grown teenager in English football his opportunity in the Gunners’ first team.
But it’s credit to Mikel Arteta that he’s built on Emery’s foundations, making 19-year-old Saka a key figure in Arsenal’s first team plans. In fact, no-one has produced more assists (14) for the Gunners than Saka since the start of last season.
The likes of Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have also featured regularly under Arteta this season.
So 17-year-old Flores has plenty of reasons to feel positive after being given the chance to train with Arsenal’s first team stars behind the scenes in recent months.
“It was like a dream. I couldn’t believe everything that was happening,” the Canada-born former Ipswich Town youngster explains.
“I am delighted, enjoying all the moments I am living with Arsenal.
“Right now I don’t know (when I will make my debut). Let’s see how things turn out. I want to play for Arsenal and become a club legend.
“I see Bukayo. He is a very good role model for me. He is the best person to speak to. He sent me many messages. He wants to share with me experiences he has lived.”
Steve Foley, Flores’ coach at Ipswich Town, compared the teenager to a young Craig Bellamy recently due to his tenacity and never-say-die attitude (Daily Star).
Flores has three goals in seven games for Arsenal’s U18s this season.
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