Canadian u23 coach Mauro Biello has admitted that they’re trying to convince Arsenal’s Marcelo Flores to represent them internationally.

Arsenal 17-year-old Marcelo Flores is eligible to play for Mexico through his father, but also Canada through his place of birth.

Canada have been making an effort to convince him to pick them recently, calling him up for a Men’s National Team camp in January. U23 coach Mauro Biello admits they’re trying to prise him away from their competition.

“Marcelo Flores is a player that obviously we have been looking at, a player that for sure we would love to have in our group,” Biello said. “Again, he is a player that is being [sought] after by other organisations.

“At the moment, for sure, Canada is interested in Marcelo as a player. Going forward, there will be opportunities down the road for this young player and Canada will do its best to try and bring him across to our team.”

When we spoke to Marcelo all the way back in early 2019, he admitted that his options were open. At the time, he’d recently been representing Mexico at the Montaigu Tournament, but he clearly wasn’t rushing to declare for the country too soon.

It’s always going to be a tough call to make, and often comes down to which of the two countries really prove they’re willing to give you time on the pitch.

Flores was in good form for the Arsenal u18s at the start of the season.

The teenager had three goals and an assist in nine league games, as well as forcing two own goals with his free-kicks and winning another converted by Omari Hutchinson in his last match in December.

Since then, Flores has been out injured. We recently reported that the injury wasn’t anything too serious, but Arsenal were being cautious and easing him back slowly. He returned to training in mid-March, so he should be back playing soon enough.