Arsenal Bolster Defence with Signing of Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera

Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia in a deal worth approximately €15 million (£13 million).

The 21-year-old joins the Premier League club on a five-year contract, with an option for an additional year, in what the Gunners describe as a major step toward strengthening their back line.

Mosquera, who can operate at both centre-back and right-back, is expected to fill the gap left by Takehiro Tomiyasu, who mutually agreed to terminate his contract earlier this month.

“I couldn’t let it pass me by. I’m joining a historic, massive club,” Mosquera said in his first interview with the club. “When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of the place. My career has moved faster than I expected and I’ve had to mature fast. Coming here is a chance to keep learning and improving.”

The Spain Under-21 international arrived at Valencia in 2016 at just 12 years old and became the youngest centre-back to play for their first team in 2022. He has since made 90 appearances for the La Liga side, playing a full 90 minutes in 37 of 38 matches last season, underlining his consistency and durability.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomed the arrival, highlighting Mosquera’s attributes and potential: “Cristhian is a player with exciting talent and enormous potential.”

Mosquera becomes the fifth addition to Arteta’s squad this summer, following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke. Reports also suggest that striker Viktor Gyokeres is close to finalising a move to the Emirates.

The young defender is set to immediately join the Arsenal squad on their pre-season tour in Asia. Valencia had already granted Mosquera permission to travel before the deal was finalized. Arsenal recently defeated AC Milan 1-0 in Singapore and will face Newcastle United at the same venue on Sunday, followed by a clash against rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong before returning to London.

The addition of Mosquera now shows that Arsenal intend to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.