Arsenal interested in 17yo Mexico starter

Young Mexico star Gilberto Mora is drawing interest from Arsenal and other Premier League clubs, according to a report.

Gilberto Mora #19 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) — Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Dutch outlet De Telegraaf report that Arsenal are one of many Premier League big-six clubs with an interest in Gilberto Mora, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool also in the race.

The report adds that Mora is said to want to wait until he turns 18 before making a move to Europe, but that’s unlikely to be an issue.

As a Mexican national, Mora wouldn’t be able to sign for a Premier League club until he turned 18 anyway. So, if anything, Mora’s desire to wait for a transfer makes it more likely he’ll end up in England.

Gilberto Mora #19 of Mexico is seen during the pitch inspection before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) — Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images

Mora is currently 17, and he turns 18 in October. That will be after the summer transfer window has closed, but it raises the possibility that the midfielder could make a move as soon as the next January transfer window.

The teenager currently plays for Club Tijuana in the Mexican first-tier, and he made 20 appearances in 2025/26, scoring six goals and assisting another.

As well as midfield, Mora can operate on the left, or even at centre-forward. He made three starts up front last season, scoring one goal.

Gilberto Mora #19 of Mexico runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Czechia and Mexico at Mexico City Stadium on June 24, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) — Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

The Mexican national team have taken note of Mora’s progress, calling him up for the 2026 World Cup and starting him in their last two matches against Czechia and Ecuador.

If the youngster makes another successful start against England this weekend, the rumours about his future could start to go into overdrive.

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Arsenal Stadium on April 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) — Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

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