Arsenal's hopes of signing Julian Alvarez in January are over after Atletico Madrid insisted they will not allow the striker to leave, while the Gunners have reportedly submitted an offer for teenage talent Gilberto Mora.
The news comes as Arsenal prepare for two away trips, starting with a Carabao Cup fourth-round clash at League Two side Fleetwood Town's Highbury Stadium, before heading to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Premier League.
Alvarez Transfer Ruled Out
TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal had kept in contact with Alvarez's agents hoping the Argentinian would be open to a move to England in the next transfer window. The forward had major desires to move to Barcelona, but Atleti were strict in blocking that transfer entirely. Arsenal had kept a close eye on the move and were set to be the frontrunners for his signature in January.
However, new reports have emerged that Alvarez will not be permitted to exit Madrid during the current season. It also looks like the striker has gone back on his public desire to leave after apologising to fans following their win over RC Deportivo.
Alvarez scored the winning goal in that match and told Movistar Plus that he regrets speaking out about potential transfers. He said: "I'd like to apologise to our fans for what I said at the World Cup; it was a mistake in terms of how I said it and the timing. I understand why the fans are angry. If I were a fan, I'd be angry too. Especially given how they've supported me since I arrived."
Offer for Mora Confirmed
Arsenal have submitted an offer for 18-year-old Gilberto Mora ahead of the January transfer window in a bid to get ahead of their Premier League rivals, according to Sports Witness. The Gunners' interest in the Club Tijuana attacking midfielder dates back to last October, and they have now made a move.
Ex-Mexico defender Claudio Suarez backed up claims that offers have been submitted for Mora from Europe. He told Unanimo: "I know for a fact that he's had offers."
"Arsenal showed interest, and so did Bayern Munich. Arsenal's plan was to sign him and then loan him out, since he might not have been a starter for them right away. I happen to know that both Arsenal and Bayern presented him with a great project."
Suarez believes Mora needs a move to Europe to boost his career after an exciting campaign at the World Cup for Mexico. He said: "The truth is that Gil Mora's situation is unique - the kind that comes along once in a very long while."
"He's extraordinary, both because of his age and the entire development path he's been on since Juan Carlos Osorio gave him his debut. If it were up to me, I'd let him go."
"He needs to head to Europe to start gaining that kind of experience. It wouldn't be the end of the world if things didn't go well - though I personally believe he'll do very well. It's just a matter of finding the right club - somewhere he can adapt quickly and where he'll be well supported."
Mora has 18 goal contributions in 63 appearances for Tijuana and is also off the mark for his country. He appeared in four of Mexico's five World Cup games this summer and also helped them win the Gold Cup against the United States last year.
