Arsenal latest: Gunners swoop for £21m wonderkid as contract announcement issued

Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta's players begin to return from the international break

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium with a chance to put their defeat at Brighton behind them.

The international break has left Mikel Arteta's side waiting three weeks to respond to that 3-0 loss, which brought a disappointing end to their impressive run of results. Despite that setback, the Gunners remain second in the table and have recorded seven wins across all competitions this season.

Their title defence resumes with a home fixture, but fitness concerns will be part of the preparations as the squad get back together. Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino each scored more than once for their countries during the break, offering encouragement ahead of the return to club football.

Contract announcement issued

Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday that Arteta has committed his future to the club with a new contract until 2030. The Spaniard guided the Gunners to their first league title in 22 years last season.

Arteta arrived as head coach in late 2019 during a low period for the north London club. He is now set to become the Premier League's highest-paid manager following Pep Guardiola's departure last summer.

BBC Sport reports that the deal represents an increase on his existing salary of £10m a year, plus £5m in bonuses. The agreement would also take the 44-year-old beyond a decade in charge, making him comfortably the longest-serving manager 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."

£21m January transfer update

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing 17-year-old Mexican talent Gilberto Mora. TEAMtalk reports that the Gunners have already made contact over a potential January move for the Club Tijuana attacking midfielder.

Mora turns 18 this month, meaning Arsenal, who have monitored him for some time, can complete his signing in January. He is under contract with the Xolos until 2029, but FIFA regulations preventing an international transfer while he is a minor will no longer apply once he turns 18.

Scouts watched 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, attracting interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona among other leading clubs.

The report claims Arsenal are ready to pursue him more 'aggressively' than their Premier League rivals and other European suitors. It also states that Mora has a release clause of between €20m and €25m (£16.9m-£21.1m).