Mikel Arteta has wished Marcelo Flores well following his Arsenal departure, suggesting the youngster has a big future.

Marcelo Flores left Arsenal to join Mexican side Tigres UANL over the summer, departing on a permanent deal for a fee of around £2m.

According to reports, Flores signed a four-year deal with his new side, moving to the country of his international allegiances.

Speaking to the media this week, Mikel Arteta gave his thoughts on the youngster.

“He has a tremendous future, he is a player with a lot of personality,” Arteta said.

“He returns to his country, I imagine that will mean a lot to him, I hope it goes well for him.”

Flores has already made his debut with his new side, coming off the bench to make a substitute appearance for Tigres against Atlas on Sunday night, which is important for him.

The Mexican international spent last season on loan with Real Oviedo, making 15 appearances for the second-division Spanish side.

But the 19-year-old’s minutes were very limited, playing just 685 across the course of the entire campaign, the equivalent of less than eight full 90s.

Another loan would have been a risk, and Flores will hope that making a permanent transfer instead will give him a platform to push on in his career now.

The early signs are that he’s going to get chances to do that with Tigres.