Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their efforts to beat Arsenal in the race to sign Club Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora, as per TEAMtalk.
After being impressed by Florian Wirtz’s performances for Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds decided to purchase him by spending a huge amount of money last year.
However, the 23-year-old has failed to replicate his Bundesliga form in the Premier League thus far. He made 15 goal contributions across all competitions last season.
Apart from the German, Andoni Iraola currently has Dominik Szoboszlai as the creative midfield option. However, the Spanish boss has mainly used the Hungarian in a deeper role, and he is currently out injured.
Now, TEAMtalk state that Liverpool hold a long-standing interest in Mora and have intensified their efforts to sign him. They have already made contact over a potential swoop next year.
The Mexican has turned 18 and can seal a move to Europe in January. Apart from the Anfield club, Arsenal are showing strong interest in purchasing the youngster.
However, they will have to overcome stiff competition to seal the deal as Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also in this race.
Battle
The report state that Club Tijuana don’t want to let Mora leave for cheap and want around £30m. If any club decide to pay that amount of money, it will be the Liga MX record transfer.
Mora is a versatile right-footed midfielder as he is comfortable in the creative midfield and box-to-box roles. Furthermore, he can provide cover on the left flank if needed.
Arsenal currently have Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as specialist options to deploy in the CAM role. Moreover, Mikel Merino can provide cover in this area if needed. On the other hand, Max Dowman is emerging.
So, Arsenal don’t need to add further depth to this position unless anyone leaves. However, Mora is considered a top-class talent and could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool should either club purchase him.
It is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club or the Merseyside club eventually make a concrete approach to secure the North American midfielder’s services next year.
