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Arsenal youngster Marcelo Flores has detailed why he elected to join Real Oviedo on loan this summer.

Flores is among the more highly-rated youngsters in Arsenal’s academy, having been touted for a bright future for several years.

The 18-year-old is yet to enjoy his breakthrough in the Arsenal first-team set-up, though, having spent all of his time at the Emirates playing for the Under 18s and Under 21s thus far.

First-team football was not going to be on offer under Mikel Arteta this season so he has instead headed out on loan with Real Oviedo.

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The move will be a big step up for the midfielder, who will be swapping Under 21 football for a season in La Liga2 with the Spanish side.

For some, a switch to Spain’s second division might be questionable but the Arsenal youngster insists he’s spoken about the move with friends and is enthused about the season ahead.

“The leap is big from one football to another, but my goals are ambitious,” Diario de Mexico report him saying.

“I want to show that I can play well, and I’m ready for whatever comes: I’m going to work hard for the team and for myself, to show what I can do in football.

“They told me that Oviedo wanted me, and from then on it was my decision and that of my family.

“I have friends playing in Spain, and they are happy that I am starting this new stage in Oviedo. They tell me it’s a very good league, both Primera and Segunda, and that I should enjoy it and do what I know how to do.

“The jump to this league is big, this is professional football and there are many teams – and very good ones – that have been in Primera, like Oviedo.

“The level is similar and my objective is to work hard now. I’m ready to play, although that doesn’t depend on me.”