Transfer Centre

Marcelo Flores 'on verge of permanent Arsenal exit'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 08 September 2023

Nineteen-year-old Arsenal protege Marcelo Flores is reportedly on the verge of joining Mexican side Tigres in a permanent deal worth £2m.

Arsenal protege Marcelo Flores is reportedly on the verge of sealing a permanent exit from North London to Mexican outfit Tigres.

The 19-year-old was once hailed as one of the most promising prospects in the Hale End academy, but it has ultimately not worked out for him in North London.

The former Ipswich Town youth product was sent out to Real Oviedo on loan for the 2022-23 season in order to gain more first-team experience, but he made just 15 appearances for the Spanish second-tier club, registering one assist.

Flores only made seven league starts for Real Oviedo and was an unused substitute in a further 27 matches, as well as failing to earn any minutes in their Copa del Rey third-round defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Since returning to Arsenal, the Mexico international has not been considered for first-team selection by Mikel Arteta and has made just four substitute appearances for the Under-21s in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured in August 2023 © Reuters

Flores remains contracted to the Gunners for another two years, but according to the Evening Standard, the 2003-born starlet will soon bid farewell to North London as he returns to his homeland.

The report adds that Arsenal have agreed to sell Flores to Tigres in a £2m deal, and the attacker will pen a four-year deal with the Mexican giants after completing a medical.

Arsenal stood to lose Flores this year before activating a two-year extension in his contract, but having failed to make a first-team breakthrough, he is moving onto pastures new.

"Happy with this new stage and ready to start the new stage with the best club in Mexico," the publication quotes Flores as telling journalists upon his arrival in Mexico earlier this week.

Flores left the Ipswich academy in 2019 to join Arsenal and was a star of the Under-18 setup upon his arrival, scoring 10 goals and setting up five more in 32 appearances at that level.

Nicolas Pepe in action for Arsenal in July 2022 © Reuters

Following promotion to the Under-21 team, Flores scored another five goals in 16 matches and was included in Arteta's squad for the first time in their 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in April 2022.

The Mexican did not earn any minutes at Selhurst Park and was not called up to the first team again, although he did make fleeting pre-season appearances and has already played three times for the senior Mexico team.

Flores is poised to leave Arsenal at the same time as Nicolas Pepe, who has been officially unveiled by Trabzonspor as their latest signing following a mediocre four-year spell in North London.

The Turkish side shared images of Pepe donning the Trabzonspor jersey on a private jet as he travelled to complete his transfer, which is expected to be finalised on Friday assuming he passes his medical.

However, it is unknown whether the Ivory Coast international's contract - which was due to expire next year - has been terminated or if the Gunners have managed to recoup a nominal fee for their £72m attacker.