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Several reports from Spain and Mexico are saying promising Mexican star Marcelo Flores is leaving Arsenal to join LaLiga 2 side Real Oviedo. It's believed that an announcement confirming the transfer will be made in the next following hours.
Why would Marcelo Flores want to leave Arsenal?
The 18-year-old forward is one of the most exciting prospects in the Gunners academy, but a "broken promise" and the need for minutes trying to get a spot in the Mexican squad going to the World Cup have pushed him to look for playing time elsewhere.
According to word on the street, Flores' camp is disappointed with the lack of minutes during Arsenal's first-squad preseason. In theory, the player was not allowed to play for Mexico in the U-20 World Cup qualifiers because he would be an important piece in the process. However, Mikel Arteta ended up not considering Flores for the Arsenal tour around the United States.
Of course, the decision impacts Flores' dream to get a ticket to Qatar, representing Mexico. Therefore, four months before the World Cup, the player quickly started to see options around that could give him the playing time he needs to convince Gerardo Martino.
Reports: Marcelo Flores to Real Oviedo
The rumors about Flores exiting Arsenal started on Monday with several possible destinations on the horizon: MLS, Eredivisie, and the Belgian First Division, among them. Those rumors were also fueled by Ruben Flores, Marcelo's father, on Twitter.
But in the end, it seems LaLiga 2 Real Oviedo is taking the lead.
A report from the local newspaper El Comercio was the first with the news and everything seems to be sorted out.
Real Oviedo – a team owned by Mexican Grupo Pachuca – will get the player on loan for at least one season without a purchase option, while Flores will get the minutes he desperately craves without leaving Arsenal at all.
To me, a clear win-win for all parties involved.
