Arsenal make move for Mexican wonderkid to beat Liverpool to deal

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Arsenal have reportedly submitted an offer to sign Mexican teenager Gilberto Mora, moving to get ahead of a growing list of suitors that includes Liverpool.

The 17-year-old midfielder caught the eye with fearless performances for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, impressing scouts across Europe despite his age. He has already become a key figure for both the national team and his club side, Tijuana, and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents to emerge from Mexican football in recent years.

Offer already on the table

According to El Porvenir, Arsenal have already submitted a formal offer for Mora as they look to add him to their squad. The report suggests the club wants to press ahead with a deal rather than risk losing ground to rival suitors circling the teenager.

Mora's rise has been rapid. His displays on the biggest stage in international football have accelerated interest from several European clubs, and speculation is mounting that a move away from Tijuana could come sooner rather than later. For a 17-year-old, the level of scrutiny and interest he has attracted is notable, and any switch to Europe would represent a major step up in his career.

Gunners look to get ahead of the chasing pack

Arsenal are said to recognise the scale of competition for Mora's signature, with the report indicating the club wants to move quickly before other suitors intensify their own pursuits. Liverpool are named among the clubs also keeping tabs on the midfielder, adding urgency to Arsenal's reported approach.

Mora is expected to face significant decisions over his next career step, particularly as interest from abroad continues to build. Arsenal will hope that having an offer already in place gives them a stronger footing when those discussions take shape.

Nothing is confirmed at this stage, and whether an offer translates into an actual transfer remains to be seen. But the report points to Arsenal's continued willingness to invest in young, highly-rated talent from outside Europe's traditional pipelines, adding Mora to a growing list of names the club has been linked with as they assess options to strengthen the midfield in the future.

For now, Mora remains a Tijuana player, with his club in Mexico likely to have a significant say in any move given his age and contract status. Arsenal's business over the coming months, both in terms of this reported pursuit and any further developments, will be watched closely.