Arsenal might end up regretting selling ‘fiery’ 20-year-old, Arteta knew he had potential

Add as preferred source on Google

After his first goal for Tigres UNAL last night, Arsenal fans may now wonder if the club made the right decision letting Marcelo Flores leave.

Flores left Arsenal this summer following several years in the academy, and it was a departure that raised a few eyebrows.

Although he was 19-years-old at the time, and yet to break into Mikel Arteta’s first team, Flores was very highly regarded.

The Mexico youth international had just spent the season on loan with Real Oviedo in Spain’s second tier.

And upon his return, it was seemingly decided that his future would be away from Arsenal.

Much to the surprise of some Arsenal fans, who were very disappointed to see Flores depart for Tigres.

Mikel Arteta had previously discussed the exciting potential of Flores just weeks before in a press conference. 

Arteta said: “We have great regard for Marcelo Flores, and we are well aware of his potential.

“Now, we must carefully design his career path and determine the best club for his growth, and we are actively working on that.”

Of course, Arteta does also allude to the possibility of Flores departing in those words.

Arsenal may regret their decision to let Flores leave for Tigres

It would be premature to say Arsenal are already regretting the decision to let Flores leave, he’s barely got going at Tigres.

However, given his rich potential, and the chances he’ll get at this new club, Flores could quickly become a big name.

It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if the 20-year-old resurfaced in Europe in the years to come.

And Flores’ situation does perfectly capture a difficult part of Arsenal’s upwards trajectory of late.

Whilst it’s brilliant to see Arteta’s first team flourishing, the gap to the academy sides is now bigger than ever.

Brookes Norton-Cuffy is another player who may end up struggling to make the move to Arsenal’s senior squad.

Moreover, Charlie Patino’s future does seem up in the air.

And although it may be tough for Arsenal fans to see, particularly those with an eye on the academy sides, it is the reality of a club joining the world’s elite.

There is still a pathway to progress, just look at Eddie Nketiah yesterday.

But the likes of ‘fiery’ Flores leaving Arsenal for Tigres will have to be accepted as part of the journey.