Arsenal complete deal for Spain under-21 defender Mosquera

By Martin Graham

Arsenal have finalised the acquisition of Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia for an initial payment of around €15m (£13m). The 21-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal at Emirates Stadium, with an optional extension of one additional year.

Able to operate in both central defense and on the right side of the backline, Mosquera arrives as a direct replacement for Takehiro Tomiyasu, who recently parted ways with the North London side by mutual agreement.

Mosquera began his journey with Valencia in 2016 at the age of 12 and made his senior debut six years later. In doing so, he became the youngest player to feature as a center-half for the Spanish club.

Young talent with high expectations

The Spanish under-21 international featured in 90 matches for his former side, completing 37 of their 38 league fixtures in the previous campaign as Valencia ended the season in 12th place.

In comments made to Arsenal’s official website, Mosquera spoke of his excitement at the move. “I’m joining a huge, prestigious team. Arriving with my family really shows you how big this club is,” he said.

He also reflected on the speed of his rise, adding: “Things have progressed quickly in my career. I’ve had to grow up fast. This move offers me the opportunity to keep developing.”

Manager Mikel Arteta described the defender as someone with great promise and potential, while sporting director Andrea Berta praised the club’s recruitment. “Cristhian is one of the standout emerging defenders in Europe. His adaptability adds strength to our group,” Berta noted.

Arsenal’s summer rebuild continues

Mosquera’s arrival follows several other summer additions to Arteta’s squad, including Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke. A deal for striker Viktor Gyokeres is also reportedly nearing completion.

The new signing is expected to immediately link up with his new teammates on their ongoing Asian pre-season tour. Valencia had already authorized his travel before the transfer was formally concluded.

Arsenal claimed a 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday and will face Newcastle United at the same venue this weekend. The team will then head to Hong Kong for a derby fixture against Tottenham Hotspur before returning to England.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer