Manchester United are reportedly battling with Arsenal and Chelsea over a deal to sign Club Tijuana youngster Gilberto Mora, as per TEAMtalk.
The Red Devils currently have Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount as options to deploy in the creative midfield position. Moreover, Matheus Cunha and Shea Lacey can provide cover in this area if needed.
Fernandes has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining from Sporting CP. However, he is edging closer to the twilight of his career, and his existing deal is set to run until next summer.
On the other hand, Mount has struggled with fitness problems since joining from Chelsea, while Lacey is still very young and needs time to develop.
As a result, it appears Man Utd have started exploring options to strengthen the No.10 position. Now, TEAMtalk claim that United have identified Mora as a serious option after doing homework on him.
However, Michael Carrick’s side will have to overcome fierce competition to seal the deal as Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, SL Benfica, Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan are also in this race.
On the other hand, Arsenal are prepared to make an aggressive approach to sign Mora as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have been impressed by his recent eye-catching performances. So, they are very strong contenders to seal the deal ahead of other clubs.
Battle
The 17-year-old is set to turn 18 next week, meaning he can seal an international transfer in January. Arsenal have even held talks with the player’s representatives to buy him.
However, TEAMtalk report that Club Tijuana want a Liga MX record fee to sell him, with the youngster’s existing deal set to run until 2029. He even has a £21m release clause.
Mora is comfortable in the creative midfield and box-to-box roles. Moreover, he can provide cover on the left flank if needed.
Having already got Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, Arsenal don’t need a new No.10, especially given that Max Dowman is emerging rapidly.
On the other hand, Chelsea currently have Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers as creative midfield options. So, they also don’t need a new CAM.
Nevertheless, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club, the West London club or the Old Trafford club eventually make a concrete approach to secure Mora’s services next year.
