Atletico Madrid have reportedly ruled out letting Julian Alvarez leave in January, while Arsenal have submitted a bid for Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora ahead of the transfer window.
Alvarez transfer decision
TEAMtalk claims the Gunners had kept in contact with Alvarez's representatives hoping he might be open to a move to England in the upcoming window. The attacker had wanted to join Barcelona, but Atleti refused to allow that transfer to happen.
Arsenal had been monitoring the situation and were ready to be the leading contenders for his signature in January. However, fresh reports suggest Alvarez will not be allowed to leave Madrid during this season.
Alvarez apologises to fans
The striker appears to have backtracked on his public wish to depart after apologising to supporters following their victory over RC Deportivo. Alvarez scored the decisive goal and told Movistar Plus he regrets his earlier comments about potential moves.
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."
Bid for Gilberto Mora
Arsenal have reportedly tabled a bid for teenage prodigy Gilberto Mora ahead of the January transfer window. According to Sports Witness, the Gunners' pursuit of the Club Tijuana attacking midfielder began last October, and they have now made their move.
Former Mexico defender Claudio Suarez has confirmed that European clubs have submitted bids for Mora. 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 elevate his career following an impressive World Cup campaign with 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."
The 18-year-old has contributed 18 goals and assists across 63 matches for Tijuana and has already opened his account at international level. He featured in four of Mexico's five World Cup fixtures this summer and played a key role in their Gold Cup triumph over the United States last year.
