Arsenal are close to sealing a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Mosquera enjoyed an exceptional 2024/25 season at the Mestalla, starting 37 La Liga games, despite only turning 20 last June.
This form, along with his impressive displays for the Spain under-21s at the Euros this summer, has sparked interest from a host of clubs throughout Europe, including the Gunners and RB Leipzig.
Mosquera is now pushing for a move to Arsenal, with the North Londoners expected to launch a bid below his £17 million release clause in an attempt to secure his services.
What Cristhian Mosquera said in Arsenal transfer talks
Arsenal are also said to be interested in Marc Guehi, but the Crystal Palace man is reluctant to join the North London club, who already have William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at their disposal.
While a valid reason to reject a potential move to the Emirates for any centre-back, this hasn’t fazed Mosquera, who is excited to embrace the competition.
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal made the 21-year-old aware that there would be competition for places, but he told the Emirates hierarchy that he wasn’t ‘scared’ of this.
“Arsenal already spoke to the player, they already spoke to the agent,” the journalist said.
“My understanding is that the player wants to go to Arsenal, and he sees Arsenal as the perfect opportunity for his career.
“Of course you have to compete with Gabriel, with William Saliba, but what I’m hearing is that Mosquera is not scared of this. Obviously, he knows that these two defenders are probably the best in the world but he wants to be there.
“He knows that Arsenal will have many games and that with Mikel Arteta, young players develop very well. So, Mosquera said yes to Arsenal. Personal terms in terms of financial contract are not going to be an issue from what I’m hearing.”
Cristhian Mosquera’s mentality is exactly what Mikel Arteta will want
This mentality is exactly what Mikel Arteta will be looking for in potential additions.
The Spaniard won’t want to recruit players who don’t feel they can go right to the very top and usurp existing world class players already in the squad.
Saliba and Gabriel’s partnership has been formidable in recent years, but the former has been linked with Real Madrid and the latter turns 28 in December, so will eventually need to be replaced.
There will be opportunities for Mosquera, in both the immediate short-term and in the longer term.
Arteta is trying to build a super team that can compete on multiple fronts, and that includes occasionally resting one of Saliba and Gabriel in league games to ensure they both remain fit and firing for the entire duration of the season.
The Spaniard will add to Arsenal’s defensive depth and make their squad a lot stronger.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Alfie Cairns Culshaw