Arsenal are back in action on Sunday as they host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium, but they already have one eye on the transfer window as they look to pursue a move for a World Cup sensation
Arsenal’s squad are back in north London preparing for the return of Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime against Leeds United.
The Gunners know they will face a tough task of picking up three points to get back on track after being comprehensively 3-0 beaten at Brighton last month. Nevertheless, Arteta’s men remain in second place in the table, having launched their title defence this campaign with seven victories across all competitions.
Several of Arsenal’s star performers have been in excellent form representing their countries during the break. Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino all found the net on multiple occasions. However, are injury concerns in the shape of Ezri Konsa, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis. Here, the Daily Star Sport brings you two of the latest developments concerning Arsenal.
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£21m January target ‘identified’
Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders for the signature of 17-year-old Mexican starlet Gilberto Mora.
TEAMtalk reports that the Gunners have already made contact over a potential January deal for the Club Tijuana attacking midfielder.
Mora will celebrate his 18th birthday this month, meaning Arsenal, who have long held an interest, can make their move in January. He 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 as they seek to secure what would be a genuine masterstroke. 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 bumper 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.”