Andrea Berta - Arsenal
Andrea Berta - Arsenal
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Young talents who attract attention from multiple European clubs often find themselves at the centre of transfer speculation once they turn 18. Those situations can intensify when a player has already featured in a World Cup and produced strong numbers in his domestic league. Agents and former internationals sometimes speak publicly about the interest, which adds further layers to the story as clubs outline different plans for the player’s development.
The Mexican midfielder in question has been tracked by several big sides for years. Recent reports have focused on a potential move to the Premier League, with one club linked to a record offer. Another Premier League side is now said to have presented its own proposal, including a structure that would involve an initial loan.
A former Mexico international knows “for a fact” that Arsenal have made an offer for Liverpool target Gilberto Mora, according to FootballTransfers. The Tijuana sensation is the protagonist of a gigantic tug-of-war between various European big-hitters. The biggest talent Mexico has produced in more than a decade, Mora is his country’s great hope and, as such, always in the news.
With the youngster having turned 18 earlier this month, speculation over his future is rampant. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been tracking him for years, as have Premier League giants Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd. In recent weeks, reports have heavily linked him with a move to Merseyside. It has been claimed that Liverpool have made a Liga MX record offer worth more than €40 million for Mora, despite earlier suggestions that he has a €25m release clause.
Last week, the teenager added fuel to the fire when he appeared to respond positively to a supporter asking him to join Liverpool. Mora was recorded flashing a smile and giving a thumbs-up to the fan. On his 18th birthday, Mora’s agent Rafael Pimenta issued a strong response to the constant speculation, warning that all these rumours could derail the youngster’s focus on Tijuana and “ruin him.”
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“I accepted this interview to answer the question because I’ve been seeing it in several places,” the superagent said. “We know that the FIFA transfer window is closed, so there are no transfers until January, and then again until June. There are so many rumours that it seems like you want to ruin this young player, someone who is growing and needs his space, his time and doesn’t need pressure.”
Besides Liverpool, there have also been strong links with Arsenal in recent weeks, despite concerns over Mora’s suitability for the Premier League. Wolves star Raul Jimenez, for example, believes that the diminutive playmaker would be better off moving to Spain or taking an intermediate step in the Netherlands or Portugal. Nonetheless, England seems to be a very realistic destination for Mora, with former Mexico international Claudio Suarez now claiming that Arsenal have made an offer for the 18-year-old and presented him with a “great project.”
Gilberto Mora
Gilberto Mora
Speaking to Unanimo (via Sport Witness), the El Tri legend said: “I know for a fact that he’s had offers. Arsenal showed interest, and so did Bayern Munich. Arsenal’s plan was to sign him and then loan him out, since he might not have been a starter for them right away. I happen to know that both Arsenal and Bayern presented him with a great project.
“The truth is that Gil Mora’s situation is unique – the kind that comes along once in a very long while. He’s extraordinary, both because of his age and the entire development path he’s been on since Juan Carlos Osorio gave him his Tijuana debut. If it were up to me, I’d let him go. He needs to head to Europe to start gaining that kind of experience,” Suarez added. “It wouldn’t be the end of the world if things didn’t go well, though I personally believe he’ll do very well.
“It’s just a matter of finding the right club, somewhere he can adapt quickly and where he’ll be well supported. Just being over there – being in Europe – helps you grow. It’s not easy being on your own, even if your family is with you. The training methodologies are different from what’s used in Mexico. I think things are a bit more relaxed in Mexico. So this move could really help Gil Mora right from the start.”
Clearly, it is a question of “when,” not “if,” Mora will move across the pond. Where he will end up, however, remains unclear. Arsenal’s reported plan to sign him and loan him out would give the teenager time to adapt away from the immediate pressure of the first team. The competition from Liverpool and other European clubs means any decision will depend on which project the player and his representatives prefer as the next windows approach.