Real Betis are exploring a way to sign talented 19-year-old Arsenal attacker Marcelo Flores but will have to ship out one Non-EU player.
According to Estadio Deportivo, Real Betis are trying to bring Marcelo Flores from English side Arsenal in the current window. The 19-year-old attacking talent has impressed those at the Spanish club, but they may struggle to free up one Non-EU slot to sign the Mexican.
La Liga clubs often struggle with registering Non-EU players as they have limited slots. Some big clubs get things done by helping the said players with Spanish citizenship, as Real Madrid ensured with some of their notable Brazilian stars.
Similarly, they reportedly made summer arrival Jude Bellingham renew his Irish passport to register him as an EU player due to Brexit. Now, they are angling a move for another Non-EU star in Marcelo Flores, who could leave Arsenal, possibly on a loan move.
Mikel Arteta certainly rates Flores; his recent comments about the Mexican signalled that. The Gunners boss said, “We take Marcelo into account and we know the potential he has. Now, we have to design his career well and know which is the best club to make him grow; that’s where we are”.
The talented 19-year-old Arsenal attacker has a contract until 2025, which allows the Gunners to have some room to decide his future. An outright sale is not out of the question in this window. But Arteta rates him and may find a loan agreement more feasible.
Despite having some close calls in recent seasons, Flores has not managed to break into the first-team squad. He has been a star for their younger sides and started as a left-back before permanently moving into attacking positions.
Real Betis are now keen on signing the talented 19-year-old Arsenal attacker, although they are yet to formulate a move. The Spanish side are also struggling with their Non-EU quota and expects the departure of Willan Jose to free up a spot.
They may have moved towards signing Flores once they realised Tottenham might not cash in on Giovani Lo Celso amid links with a move away. New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou wants to keep the Argentine, thus dashing Betis’s hope about signing him.
Now, they view Flores as a decent option to shore up their attacking lineup. The Mexican international can play anywhere in the attack barring the No.9 role, which makes him a versatile outlet. Meanwhile, he could also ease in at Betis with the presence of former Arsenal star Hector Bellerin who returned on a free transfer.
