Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Cristhian Mosquera, but there has been something of a hold-up in his announcement.
The defender is being lined up as the fifth signing of the summer, with the Gunners already making several additions this season.
Noni Madueke is the latest signing, joining from Chelsea in a deal worth roughly £52 million to help bolster the forward ranks.
While Arsenal continue in talks for Viktor Gyokeres, the deal for Cristhian Mosquera appears to be more advanced.
A fee has been agreed upon along with a completed medical, but a few days on from all of that, fans are still eagerly awaiting an announcement.
With Arsenal’s pre-season tour kicking off, there was some confusion that there wasn’t an announcement for Mosquera before, as he isn’t included in the squad yet.
Cristhian Mosquera’s transfer delay for Arsenal is down to paperwork
Arsenal are expected to sign Mosquera this summer in a deal worth roughly £16.5 million from Valencia, which would bolster the backline.
There have even been snippets of what appears to be an announcement for the defender seemingly leaked online, perhaps confirming the deal.
There was some expectation that it would be completed in time to be announced in the Arsenal pre-season tour squad.
That, however, hasn’t happened as Mosquera doesn’t currently feature within the squad and is yet to be announced.
According to the Mirror, this delay is down to formal confirmation with the paperwork between themselves and all relevant parties.
It’s also added that Mosquera could join up with the rest of his teammates for the remainder of the tour, once Arsenal officially confirm the deal.
- READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko will be so angry after hearing what Arsenal could do once Viktor Gyokeres is signed
Arsenal also wanted Viktor Gyokeres deal done for pre-season tour
While there is some disappointment that Mosquera won’t be joining up with Arsenal, perhaps the biggest frustration will surround the chase for a striker.
With the backline being well-stocked, the addition of the Spanish defender is a luxury for cover, but the forward line is a bigger problem.
Arsenal have been locked in talks for Viktor Gyokeres this summer, but the Mirror’s report adds that the stubbornness of Sporting CP has made it difficult to get negotiations over the line.
It means Mikel Arteta heads into the pre-season camp without the striker he has been craving for, while the delay means it could drag out further.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Luke Thrower