Arsenal making offer ahead of window – Gunners start talks to beat Premier League rivals

Arsenal have reportedly made an offer for Gilberto Mora, giving Liverpool something else to worry about in the race for the Mexican youngster.

The Gunners have been following the 17-year-old for months, but things now appear to have become somewhat concrete. With Mora turning 18 next week, reports from Mexico suggest his future could finally be decided.

Liverpool were recently credited with a huge offer for the Tijuana midfielder. Now Arsenal are said to have made their own move.

Arsenal enter the bidding

Mexican outlet El Porvenir reported that Arsenal have submitted a proposal to Tijuana for Mora. They claim the Gunners have approached Tijuana’s directors to open talks over a possible January transfer.

And according to them and the country’s main newspaper El Universal, Liverpool had looked like the favourites to win the race until a few days ago. That’s changed with Arsenal’s arrival at the negotiating table.

The new reports also put Mora’s release clause at €24m (£20.9m), although that figure raises a few questions. Earlier this week, TUDN journalist David Faitelson claimed Liverpool’s offer surpassed €43m (£37.4m).

Neither report explains the difference between those figures. So for now, there’s no clear picture of what Tijuana would actually accept.

Still, the important development for Arsenal is that two Mexican newspapers are now talking about concrete steps towards a deal.

European move already lined up

There’s a growing feeling in Mexico that Mora’s future away from Tijuana is already taking shape.

Mexican newspaper Esto has since gone further, saying Mora already has everything agreed for a move to Europe. However, there’s still no confirmation of his destination.

His 18th birthday on October 14 is now being treated as a key date. El Universal even suggests his next club could be announced next week.

That’s also why his recent absence from the Mexico squad has attracted so much attention. ESPN said those around Mora wanted to avoid any injury that could complicate the transfer.

Mexico manager Rafael Márquez certainly sounds confident about the player’s next step.

“I think Gilberto has a lot of talent. I think he can have a great future. He can fit into any team and has the mentality to succeed,” he told El Imparcial.

“Wherever he goes, he’ll have plenty of opportunities and a great career.”

So Arsenal now might be questioning whether their reported proposal can change a race Liverpool appeared to be leading. And with Mora’s birthday just around the corner, we may not have to wait much longer for an answer.

Mexican players in the Premier League