Arsenal have opened talks with Club Tijuana about a potential move for midfielder Gilberto Mora during the winter transfer window, according to El Porvenir.
Mora has developed into one of the best young midfielders, and the 17-year-old has already made 62 competitive appearances for his club in all competitions.
This season, he has been in impressive form with five goals and an assist for Tijuana and recently scored his maiden goal for Mexico in a friendly against Colombia.
Liverpool have been mentioned as prime candidates to sign him for a while, but El Porvenir have entered talks with Tijuana and are making an offer for the youngster.
Mora turns 18 on October 14 and will be permitted to move to Europe this winter. He has a £21 million release clause in his contract, and Arsenal seem determined to sign him ahead of the competition, which also includes Real Madrid, Barcelona, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal could face a difficult task to convince Mora
The teenager is primarily an attacking midfielder, who can occasionally play on the left wing.
He has had a fine start to the season with seven goal involvements for club and country. Mora has scored four goals from the penalty spot, but has still caught the eye with other attributes.
The 17-year-old has completed 90 percent of his passes with five recoveries and almost four duels won per game. He is right-footed but is comfortable dribbling and passing with his left foot too.
Hence, he is a huge talent with immense potential. The big question remains whether he would accept a move to Arsenal without the guarantee of regular playing time for his development.
It could be a similar reason why he could turn down Liverpool, Madrid or Barcelona. It has been claimed that his next club could be decided based on playing time rather than pedigree.
If that becomes the case, Dortmund and Benfica could emerge as ideal destinations for him. There is no denying he would be a superb signing for Arsenal at £21m if they can pull it off.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com