Marcelo Flores signs for Real Oviedo on loan from Arsenal

Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores has signed for Spanish second-tier side Real Oviedo on loan for the 2022-23 season.

The 18-year-old was a notable absentee from the Gunners' squad for their pre-season tour of the United States alongside fellow academy members Charlie Patino and Salah Oulad M'Hand.

Speculation surrounding a loan exit quickly arose, and Arsenal have now confirmed that Flores will spend the next year gaining first-team experience at Real Oviedo.

Flores is yet to make his first-team debut for Arsenal, but he earned a place on the bench for the Gunners' 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League back in April.

The three-cap Mexico international starred at youth level, though, recording a total of 11 goals and three assists in 22 games across Under-18 and Under-23 level.

Flores scored six goals and set up two more in the Under-18 Premier League last term and also found the back of the net four times in the 2021-22 Premier League 2 season, helping Arsenal finish third.

The former Ipswich Town starlet - who arrived at Arsenal in 2019 - heads out on loan after former teammate Omari Hutchinson left Arsenal's academy permanently to sign for Chelsea.