Arsenal news: £21m January transfer target identified as major announcement made

· Mirror

Arsenal are eyeing a big January deal

With the international break now officially over, Arsenal’s players can begin preparing for the resumption of Premier League football. Mikel Arteta’s side return from the three-week international break with a home fixture against Leeds United, where they’re expected to get straight back to winning ways.

It comes after a hugely disappointing result in their last game before the break - a 3-0 drubbing at Brighton last month. However, Arteta’s side remain second in the league, having kick-started their title defence this season with seven wins across all competitions.

Several of Arsenal’s key players have been in great form for their nations over the break. Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino all got on the scoresheet more than once.

However, there are also those who came away from the Nations League worse for wear, including Ezri Konsa, Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis, who are racing to return from injury in time for Leeds. Now, Mirror Football brings you two of the latest developments involving Arsenal.

£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 turn 18 this month, meaning Arsenal, who are long-term admirers, can sign him in January. He remains under contract with the Xolos until 2029, but FIFA rules that blocked an international move while he was a minor no longer apply once he turns 18.

Scouts monitored him during the World Cup, where he became Mexico’s youngest-ever player at the tournament. He has already represented his nation 13 times, leading to interest from other big clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona

The report claims Arsenal are prepared to move more 'aggressively' than their Premier League rivals and other European sides as they look to pull off what would be a real coup. It also states that Mora has a release clause in the region of €20–25million (£16.9-£21.1m).

Major announcement made

Arsenal announced on Wednesday that Arteta has signed a mega new contract with the club. The Spaniard, who led the club to their first title in 22 years last season, has put pen to paper on a new deal which will keep him at the Emirates up to 2030.

Arteta joined the club as head coach in late 2019 during a difficult period for the north Londoners. The manager is now set to be the highest-paid boss in the Premier League, following Pep Guardiola’s departure last summer.

BBC Sport reports the new contract is an increase from his current salary of £10m per year, plus an additional £5m in bonuses. It also means the 44-year-old will pass a decade in charge at the club, making him comfortably the longest-serving boss in the top flight.

Arteta said: > "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."

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