Arsenal want to infuse fresh blood into the main squad. The Gunners are well placed in second position in the Premier League table. However, team manager Mikel Arteta cannot afford to be complacent, especially after the unexpected exit from the EFL Cup. This is the reason why the Gunners are scouting for young, dependable players. The Gunners are already monitoring the performance of Borussia Dortmund player Mathis Albert. However, in case Dortmund chooses to retain him, the Gunners have a backup plan in mind. They are also looking out for another teenage sensation from Boca Juniors in Argentina.
Flores has attracted Arsenal’s interest due to his tremendous potential as a striker for Boca Juniors. He is a versatile attacking player who can influence matches in various roles. Flores is right-footed and considers players like Lionel Messi and Juan Román Riquelme as his idols. He also watches the games of players like Exequiel Zeballos, Jérémy Doku and Jamal Musiala, especially when he wants to improve in one-on-one situations.
The 19-year-old joined the club’s youth academy in 2014 at the age of seven. Since then, he has been a core part of the team’s junior side. Flores made his senior debut in July 2026. He scored 3 goals in 12 matches during the Argentine Primera División for the 2026-27 season. Flores’s performance at the club level also earned him a call for Argentina’s senior squad. He made his international debut in September 2026, during a friendly match between Argentina and Bolivia. Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0.
Interestingly, the Gunners aren’t the only European club that has shown interest in the teenage striker. As per Sport Witness, Chelsea are also closely monitoring his performance. While none of the two clubs have submitted an official bid, they are willing to pay the asking price of $20 million to secure Leonel Flores by the end of this year. Apart from the two, clubs like Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion also expressed their interest in the teenage striker. However, there has been no fresh update from either side for now.
Now, are Boca Juniors capable of retaining Leonel Flores next year? Reports suggest that the Argentinian club isn’t in a position to stop his transfer for now. Boca Juniors extended Flores’ contract till 2029. However, the club can negotiate on the transfer deal if Arsenal or Chelsea make an official bid for Flores.
The Gunners are currently in a unique position. They are competing with Manchester City for the top spot in the Premier League. In the Champions League, they are in 7th place, although they have won two games and drawn the last one with Bayern Munich. However, they faced an unexpected loss in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. Team manager Mikel Arteta knows this well. He is also looking out for a capable forward who can reduce the stress from the shoulders of players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. If the Gunners manage to convince Flores to join the club, he can help them to a large extent on this front.
