Arsenal are reportedly ahead of Liverpool in the battle to sign highly-rated Mexican teenager Gilberto Mora from Tijuana.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has caught the attention of two of England’s biggest clubs following a remarkable rise through Mexican football.
According to Azteca Puebla, Arsenal currently hold the upper hand, with Liverpool needing to improve their offer to outbid the Gunners.
Mora’s profile has grown significantly after representing Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, with developments in his transfer situation expected imminently.
The youngster first burst onto the scene when he made his Tijuana debut on 19th August 2024, coming off the bench as a substitute and registering an assist.
That appearance came when Mora was just 15 years, ten months and five days old, making him the club’s youngest-ever debutant.
He was also recognised as the third-youngest debutant in Liga MX history and the youngest player ever to provide an assist in the competition.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool will be keen to secure his signature, though Mora is likely to have no shortage of options if he decides to leave Tijuana.
A move to the Emirates Stadium would place him within a settled and competitive squad, though regular playing time could prove difficult to come by given the strength of Arsenal’s current roster.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are arguably in a more transitional phase, which could make them more willing to integrate a promising young talent with the future in mind.
Whichever club ultimately wins the race, Mora appears to have all the ingredients required to develop into a serious force in European football.
His record-breaking start in Liga MX at such a young age suggests that the teenager is more than capable of handling the expectations that come with a big-money move abroad.
