Arsenal are getting ready to act on their plan to purchase Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora from Mexico. They are beginning to reach an agreement with the club about the existing terms of the purchase.
Why the timing matters
As for the other part of the deal, Mora is still bound by contract to Tijuana until 2029. FIFA’s regulations that prevent international transfers while a player is underage cease to apply once they reach 18, which will happen later this month for Mora. There may yet be time ahead of next month’s impending winter window to agree terms now.
That said, those familiar with Mexican football confirm there is little doubt that the Gunners’ interest was sparked at the recent World Cup. Scouts from London took note of the former defender as he represented his country.
Since then, Arsenal’s scouting department have continued their watchful eye on the young talent.
Reports claim contact was made via Mora’s agent Rafaela Pimenta, and exploratory discussions took place regarding a potential release clause, worth €20-25m (£21.2m) at this stage.
Some reports indicate that Arsenal are prepared to step forward more boldly than most Premier League and European opponents, though.
A natural heir to Odegaard
The Gunners are well stocked in the creative department for now.
Captain Martin Odegaard, whose performance was a driving force behind their success this season, is back to his best. This was after fitness issues scuppered some of his contributions during last term.
And while Mora may have been signed to play centrally as a number 10, he has enough versatility to offer a box-to-box option too. Something we’ve seen in his past performances.
He’ll certainly suit the way Arsenal want their players to perform on the pitch. Given that those close to the discussions say they’d flourished under the tutelage of Odegaard. We see all the signs pointing towards him flourishing again.
In fact, even having won the league, Arsenal is already thinking ahead to its next era on the ball, with Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta among Mora’s admirers.
A crowded race
They won’t have a clear run at the Brazilian star. Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and Benfica in Portugal have already engaged in some preliminary talks with his reps. This is in addition to Real Madrid and Barca, who will want to keep tabs on his progress. And then there’s Liverpool, desperate for a chance to swoop on this boy.
Even big clubs from outside Spain, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and AC Milan, can’t stay out of the loop. But Tijuana aren’t expected to get in the way, despite looking poised to charge through the roof on transfer fees.
Mora’s management had previously insisted on a competitive environment and a pathway towards getting into the first team. Two things Arsenal would seek to prove to them.
What about Haaland?
Meanwhile, according to reports from elsewhere in English football, Arsenal are considering making a move for Erling Haaland. In return, they will have to contend with Manchester City facing a heavy punishment for their financial breaches. However, the Gunners appear to have the funds to complete the deal.
For now, though, Mora is the name in focus. With his birthday days away, the battle for one of world football’s brightest young talents is about to get far hotter.
