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Arsenal are assessing the situation of loanee Marcelo Flores, who has been struggling for game time on loan in Spain.
Flores was one of the stars of the Hale End academy and in 2020, named one of the 60 best young talents in world football by the Guardian.
The Mexico international has been a regular feature of the under-18 side, while he has also turned out for the club’s under-23s on occasion.
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At the start of this season, Flores was deemed ready for first-team minutes and sent out on loan to Real Oviedo.
However, things have not gone to plan since.
Arsenal “have to assess” Flores’ situation
Flores has struggled for game time out in Spain, having managed just 12 appearances in La Liga 2 this term, and featuring in just 25 percent of the minutes available to him.
Naturally, questions have been asked by Arsenal, who have the option to recall the 19-year-old, and send him somewhere he is more likely to play.
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Indeed, Oviedo sporting director Roberto Suarez admitted Arsenal were assessing Flores’ situation.
Speaking to COPE, Suarez said: “There are players who have told us about their situation, and we have explained our feelings.
“Marcelo Flores? The manager is happy, but Arsenal also have to assess whether the situation he is in is good for him and for the club. Once it’s over, we’ll see what happens with him.”
Irrespective of whether Flores would flourish or struggle at Oviedo, Arteta insisted at the start of the season that the loan spell would be beneficial for the attacker's long-term development.
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The Arsenal boss said: "It’s a very good opportunity for him. Whatever minutes he plays, the experience is going to be very enriching.
"When you go on loan, you have to go through good times and others not so good. What you have to do is adapt and earn your place.
"A lot of times it’s not easy or as easy as it seems. I think it’s an important step for him."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, La Liga, Spain, Transfers