Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Arsenal are close to completing a deal with Valencia to sign young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. ESPN first reported that the Gunners have entered negotiations with the La Liga side for the promising defender, and it now appears those talks have accelerated with personal term between Arsenal and the player already agreed.
The 20 year old has made 73 La Liga appearances in the last two seasons and has drawn interest from several clubs across Europe.
Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported that Arsenal are in pole position for the player’s signature ahead of RB Leipzig who had a verbal agreement with the player but stepped away due to concerns over asking price.
Leverkusen and Bayern were also keen on the player, but it is Arteta’s men who are close to securing his services. Arsenal are interested in more defensive cover for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, with the future of reserve defender Jakub Kiwior uncertain.
Kiwior deputized for much of last season when Magalhães suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, but could be on the move this summer in search of more consistent playing time.
Arsenal advancing on Mosquera
Mosquera is the man Arsenal have now identified to provide cover. The young defender impressed for Spain during the European Under-21 Championship this summer despite his side losing to England in the Quarter-Finals.
He is also eligible to represent Colombia at full international level. He is regarded as a future leader for club and country – whichever nation he chooses to represent.
His play style has drawn comparisons to potential future teammate William Saliba, as a calm and composed defender with sound technical ability. His recovery pace and reading of the game has seen his stock rise since making his Valencia debut in 2021 as a 17 year old.
Mosquera plays mainly as a centre-back but can also play as a full-back on either side. This versatility has caught the eye of Arteta who has seen several of his defenders go down with long term injuries.
If Arsenal are to complete deal, he will become their fourth signing of the summer after deals for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christain Norgaard.
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