Some players need years to attract the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Gilberto Mora has needed only a few senior games, a World Cup stage and the confidence to play as if none of it is too soon.

The 17-year-old Club Tijuana midfielder has quickly become one of Mexico’s most exciting young talents. Now, his name is being followed far beyond Liga MX.

Premier League clubs are watching

Mora’s performances for Mexico have increased the attention around him during the World Cup.

Read also: Expert on Germany: 'Anger from Nagelsmann does not solve the problems'

According to El Universal, Arsenal and Manchester United both have scouts at the tournament watching the teenager closely.

The Mexican outlet reported that just a couple of World Cup games have been enough for English clubs to strengthen their interest.

That does not mean a transfer is close.

But it does show how quickly Mora’s reputation is growing.

Read also: Brazil star fires back at Japan player after brutal pre-match dig in fiery World Cup clash

United face major competition

Manchester United are not alone in following him.

According to TEAMtalk, United had scouts watching Mora during Mexico’s 3-0 win over Czechia, where he started and impressed as Mexico completed a perfect group-stage campaign.

The same report claims several major European clubs have already explored the possibility of signing him.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all been mentioned as clubs monitoring his development.

Read also: Head coach Marco Bielsa leaves Uruguay after World Cup exit

Real Madrid may be the most difficult rival to beat.

TEAMtalk reports that Mora admires the Spanish club and that Madrid are viewed by some in the game as a likely long-term destination.

A new deal in Tijuana

For now, Mora remains tied to Club Tijuana.

According to Excélsior, the teenager has signed a three-year contract with Xolos, described as the most important player agreement in the club’s history.

Read also: Zlatan Ibrahimovic blames one man for Netherlands' shock World Cup exit

The deal also includes a structured exit mechanism designed with a future move in mind.

Mora has also been given the club’s number 10 shirt, a sign of how highly he is viewed in Tijuana.

“I am very grateful to Club Tijuana. This club has helped me a lot to grow as a player and as a person. This motivates me even more to keep working hard and improving every day. Right now, my focus is on helping the team and giving everything for Mexico at this World Cup,” Mora said.

A talent clubs cannot ignore

Mora is still at the beginning of his career.

Read also: Nagelsmann fumes after Germany’s World Cup exit: ‘It is ridiculous’

That is why any move to Europe would need careful planning. A club would not only have to win the race for his signature, but also offer a clear development path.

For now, the story is more about scouting than negotiation.

But the direction is clear.

Mora has gone from a promising Liga MX teenager to a World Cup player being watched by some of the biggest clubs in football.

And if his rise continues, the quiet scouting mission around him may soon become something much louder.