The Mexican influence at Real Oviedo clinched the deal for Arsenal midfielder Marcelo Flores.

The Mexico international has joined the Segunda Division outfit on a season-long loan.

AS says Flores was convinced about the move by Pachuca owner Jesús Martínez and new Oviedo president Martín Peláez. Grupo Pachuca are the majority shareholder in Oviedo.

Several MLS teams were in contact, but it was Martinez's intervention which persuaded Flores to remain in Europe.

Flores has made the move primarily to remain in Mexico's World Cup plans this year.