Arsenal have made contact over a January deal for Mexican teenager Gilberto Mora, while Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract with the club.
£21m January target identified
The Gunners have emerged as serious contenders for the signature of the 17-year-old attacking midfielder from Club Tijuana, according to TEAMtalk. Arsenal have already made contact over a potential January move for Mora, who will celebrate his 18th birthday this month.
Mora remains tied to the Xolos until 2029, but FIFA regulations that prevented an international transfer while he was a minor will no longer be in force once he reaches 18. Talent spotters kept tabs on him during the World Cup, where he became Mexico's youngest-ever participant at the tournament.
He has already earned 13 caps for his country, sparking attention from other major clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona. The report suggests Arsenal are ready to act more 'aggressively' than their Premier League competitors and other European clubs. It also reveals that Mora has a release clause worth around €20–25million (£16.9-£21.1m).
Major announcement made
Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that Arteta has penned a new contract with the club. The Spaniard, who guided the club to their first title in 22 years last season, has committed his future with a fresh deal that will keep him at the Emirates until 2030.
Arteta arrived at the club as head coach in late 2019 during a challenging spell for the north Londoners. The manager is now poised to become the highest-paid boss in the Premier League, following Pep Guardiola's departure last summer.
BBC Sport reveals the fresh deal represents a boost from his existing £10m annual wage, alongside an extra £5m in bonuses. The agreement also ensures the 44-year-old will complete a full decade at the helm, establishing him as comfortably the Premier League's longest-serving manager.
Arteta commented: "It's a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue."
"We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together. I'm extremely grateful to Stan and Josh (Kroenke) for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history."
"This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours - in return."
