Arsenal and Liverpool are battling for the signature of Mexico and Club Tijuana star Gilberto Mora.
Mora featured in four of Mexico’s five games at the World Cup, prior to their round of 16 exit at the hands of England, and Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel was left impressed by his performances.
Despite being just 17-years-old, the youngster has already made 53 senior appearances for Club Tijuana, which indicates he could be due a big move, and two Premier League clubs are now keen to secure his signature.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
The World Cup is the grandest of stages, and Mora put himself in the shop window with his performances. Arsenal are known to be in the market for a young attacking midfielder, having also set their sights on Boca Juniors’ Tomas Aranda, so the interest makes a lot of sense. |
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Finances |
The starlet has a £18.4m release clause in his contract, which is more than affordable for a club the size of Arsenal. Albeit, that would be a large fee to pay for a 17-year-old who is so far unproven in a top league. |
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Insight |
Scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the Mexico star as “phenomenal”, and he has ten goals and two assists in 53 games for Club Tijuana, featuring as an attacking midfielder, centre-forward and on the left flank. |
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Impact |
Even though the 12-cap Mexico international has already started making an impact for club and country, he is still very young, which suggests it may be too soon to become a regular starter for Mikel Arteta‘s side. With that in mind, an initial loan move could make sense. |
How Arsenal are planning to win race for Gilberto Mora
According to a report from El Universal (via Metro), Arsenal are now preparing an offer for Mora, and Andrea Berta is willing to pay the full asking price to ensure they win the race for his signature.
A ‘bidding frenzy’ is now on the cards, with Tijuana well aware his time at the Mexican club is coming to an end, so the Gunners want to get ahead of interest from Liverpool by simply skipping the haggling stage and paying the release clause.
Gilberto Mora ready for step up after impressing at World Cup
Tuchel had good reason for waxing lyrical about the attacker’s performances for Mexico, as he was particularly impressive in the round of 32 victory against Ecuador.
The hosts prevailed 2-0 to book their place in the last 16, and the teenager showcased his defensive skills by winning four of the five ground duels he contested, while he also completed two key passes.
The Arsenal and Liverpool target also has a keen eye for goal, finding the net four times in the 2025-26 Liga MX Apertura, which was the third-highest number in the Tijuana squad.
Mora could now be ready to test himself in Europe, and a fee of £18.4m could prove to be a bargain in the long run.
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