The father of Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores has revealed his close relationship with Gunners chiefs Per Mertesacker and Edu Gaspar.
Flores is one of the hottest prospects in the Gunners youth ranks at present, having made a big impression since joining on a free transfer from Ipswich Town in March last year.
The young Mexican has three goals and one assist in 10 games for the under 18s so far and has seen himself training with the Under 23s and the first team already.
If the youngster is to make the step up that will be down to academy manager Per Mertesacker, although it seems his prospects look good on that front.
“Marcelo and I usually have a guest,” his father, Rubén Flores, told Marca Colombia.
“I am a good friend of Per Mertesacker. Also of Edu Gaspar. When we have free time we go to have a coffee, we play tennis, and then we come to eat at home, or they invite us to theirs.
“Edu invited us to a barbecue a couple of weeks ago.”
If he is to establish himself as a first-team star in future he will be keen to avoid the many pitfalls on the path ahead of him, ones that many a player often fail to avoid.
Indeed, Arsenal have seen several such players flounder themselves, something it seems they’re keen to avoid happening with Flores.
“He is fine. He is very calm. What he likes the most is playing football,” he added.
“Recently the networks exploded with the professional contract. I thank Arsenal very much for the opportunity and the confidence.
“He is doing very well, but also the support they have given him is impressive. Now there is nothing to worry about. He has a contract.
“Here, he is considered to have a very prominent future with the team, if he continues doing what he has done until now. He only thinks about what happens on the pitch.
“Everything that happens outside does not matter to him. That helps him a lot because he has his feet on the ground.”
