Arsenal have extended the contract of midfield starlet Marcelo Flores, according to a new report, in order to fend off interest from European clubs.
The 19-year-old, who was born in Canada but represents Mexico at senior international level, joined the Gunners academy from Ipswich in 2019.
He signed his first professional contract in October 2020, but has yet to make his competitive debut for Mikel Arteta's side.
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The midfielder is currently on loan at Spanish second division side Real Oviedo, where he has made 13 appearances this term.
Mexican football reporter Fernando Cevallos told Fox Sports Mexico, meanwhile, that the Gunners plan for him to remain in Spain for another year.
A contract extension will ensure they can do just that, with the midfielder now committed to the club until 2025.
Arsenal extend contract of starlet
According to the London Evening Standard, Arsenal have activated an additional two-year option that they held in Flores' contract, rather than agree fresh terms.
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The Gunners were risk of losing the 19-year-old this summer, as he had entered the final six months of his deal.
The Mexican could have held pre-contract talks with European clubs, but by acting now, Arsenal have ensured any free transfer will not happen.
After Flores trained with the Mexico senior squad last summer, and played in the CONCACAF Nations League, the then-Mexico coach and one-time Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino said (via Tribal Football): "Marcelo is everything a coach expects.
"The player has those desires to assert his dribbling, he does what we all expect of him, he executes the 'one on one', which is one of the best qualities."
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While a senior debut for Arsenal may not be on the horizon just yet for Flores, the new deal gives him more opportunities to impress Arteta and work his way into the first team in the coming seasons.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Football, Transfers, Premier League