Manchester City are interested in signing Gilberto Mora and are ready to go head-to-head with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid in a battle for one of Mexico’s brightest young football prospects.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder, currently playing for Club Tijuana, has emerged as one of the most talked-about teenagers in Latin America after a breakout year that has caught the attention of several European giants.
Mora’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Having joined Club Tijuana’s youth ranks at a young age, he made his first-team debut in 2024 and has since gone on to make 41 senior appearances for his boyhood club.
During that time, the teenager has scored seven goals and provided two assists, showing composure and maturity well beyond his years.
His performances in Mexico’s top flight quickly earned him a senior national team call-up, culminating in his debut for El Tri earlier this year. Mora also made headlines during the Under-20 World Cup, where Mexico reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Argentina.
The young midfielder stood out throughout the tournament, registering five goal contributions — three goals and two assists — in just five matches.
Such impressive displays have placed Mora firmly on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. According to Sport Witness, Manchester City are interested in signing Gilberto Mora, joining several elite teams — including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid — who have also expressed concrete interest in signing the teenager.
The publication described Mora as an ambidextrous player with exquisite technique, goal-scoring prowess, and exceptional vision. His combination of flair, tactical intelligence, and versatility has drawn comparisons to some of Latin America’s finest creative midfielders.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are said to be closely monitoring his development, viewing the youngster as a long-term investment for their creative midfield options. Meanwhile, Manchester City — who have a proven record of nurturing young international talent under Pep Guardiola — see Mora as a player capable of adapting to their intricate possession-based system.
Barcelona and Real Madrid’s interest only adds to the intrigue. Both Spanish giants have a history of signing emerging talents from South America, and Mora’s technical style fits perfectly within the DNA of La Liga football. Barcelona, in particular, are keen to remain in the conversation despite their current financial challenges.
Transfer Battle Among Europe’s Elite
The reports indicate that Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are being kept informed of every development surrounding Mora’s situation.
Their existing relationship with his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, could prove influential in any potential deal. Pimenta, who also represents Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, is known to have a positive rapport with Laporta, a factor that could tip the scales in Barcelona’s favour.
However, the competition is fierce. Manchester City’s financial strength and footballing project could be hard to resist for any emerging talent. Arsenal, on the other hand, offer an appealing environment for young players to thrive under Arteta’s guidance, while Real Madrid’s track record with young stars such as VinÃcius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham speaks for itself.
Adding a new dimension to the transfer race is the involvement of David Beckham’s Inter Miami. The Major League Soccer side are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Mora to the United States, although a move to Europe remains the teenager’s likely long-term goal.
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Still, Beckham’s growing influence in the football world — and Inter Miami’s ambition to attract top young talents — makes them a wildcard in the negotiations.
Despite the widespread attention, Mora is in no rush to make a decision. Sources close to the player suggest that he intends to continue his development with Club Tijuana for the immediate future. Any move to Europe would have to wait until 2026, when he turns 18 and becomes eligible to join a European side under FIFA transfer regulations.
