Arsenal latest: 'Three announcements close' as Gunners join hunt for Liverpool target

Arsenal have reportedly made a bid for a Liverpool target

With the international break over, Arsenal's focus is back on their Premier League title defence, but there is also work to be done on the squad's longer-term future. Three key players are reportedly nearing new contracts, while a potential January addition has emerged.

On the pitch, Saturday's 2-1 victory over Leeds United gave Mikel Arteta's side a much-needed response to their 3-0 defeat at Brighton. The return to action after three weeks away was far from straightforward, with Leeds’ valiant display making for a tense afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.

The result leaves the reigning champions behind only Manchester City after six matches. As they prepare for their next fixture - a Champions League clash with Lille on Tuesday - Arsenal will be looking to build on that win and find greater consistency in their bid to win more trophies.

Alongside those immediate priorities, the club are looking to keep the core of Arteta's squad together and strengthen when the January transfer window opens. Here are the latest reports on their contract talks and interest in a player also linked with Liverpool.

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Three contract extensions close

Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing contract extensions for three key players. Having recently secured Arteta's future until the summer of 2030, club bosses are now looking to follow suit with deals for Declan Rice, captain Martin Odegaard and defender Jurrien Timber.

It has been widely reported in recent weeks that Rice is set to sign a lucrative new contract that will bring him closer to Arsenal's highest earner, Bukayo Saka. Rice is currently understood to be on a £240,000-per-week deal, which runs until the summer of 2028.

According to TEAMtalk, Odegaard has also been in contract talks with the club for more than a year. Both his and Timber's renewals are expected to be concluded during the November international break or, at the latest, before the January transfer window. The report indicates that Arsenal are extremely confident that the outstanding details can be resolved in the coming weeks.

Arsenal join hunt for Liverpool target

Arsenal have reportedly made an opening bid for Liverpool target Gilberto Mora. The Mexican teenager celebrates his 18th birthday this week, meaning the Gunners would be allowed to complete a deal for him in January.

Attacking midfielder Mora, who is under contract at Club Tijuana until 2029, has been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks. However, Mexican outlet El Provenir claims Arsenal have now contacted his club over a possible transfer.

Arsenal have long held an interest in the teenager, who became Mexico's youngest-ever World Cup participant earlier this year. He has already earned 13 caps for his country and has reportedly attracted attention from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Mora is understood to have a £21.2million release clause in his contract, potentially giving Arsenal an opportunity to strengthen their attacking options for a relatively modest fee.