Liverpool and Arsenal are both plotting moves to sign Club Tijuana youngster Gilberto Mora, according to Mexican outlet El Universal.
The 17-year-old caught the eye with his performances for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, helping his country advance to the last 16 before losing to England.
Club Tijuana are reportedly resigned to losing the teenager and are planning to insert an £18m release clause into his contract ahead of any potential departure.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool are described as the clubs ‘most prepared’ to secure Mora’s services by triggering that release clause.
Mora is considered a versatile talent, capable of operating in creative midfield and box-to-box roles, and can also provide cover on the left flank if required.
Liverpool’s interest in the position comes despite having already invested heavily in creative midfield, having purchased Florian Wirtz for a significant fee last summer.
Wirtz struggled to fully replicate his Bayer Leverkusen form in his debut Premier League season, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists across 49 appearances in all competitions.
Dominik Szoboszlai also remains an option for Liverpool in the creative midfield role, having contributed 13 goals and 12 assists across 53 appearances in all competitions last term.
Arsenal, meanwhile, already have Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, and Ethan Nwaneri available to play in the creative midfield position, meaning further investment is not an urgent priority unless departures occur.
Despite the apparent depth at the Gunners, Mora’s age and performances on the international stage have placed him firmly on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the summer window.
The competition between the two Premier League heavyweights suggests a significant transfer battle could develop as both clubs look to secure one of the tournament’s most exciting emerging talents.
Mora’s ability to influence games at just 17 years old on a World Cup stage has understandably attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs beyond just Arsenal and Liverpool.