Cristhian Mosquera is now an Arsenal player after completing his move from Valencia. The centre-half moves to the Gunners on a five-year contract, football.london understands, in a deal worth an initial €15million (£13million) plus add-ons.
The player is seen as one of Europe’s best young players for his positive attitude, with his speed and physicality being particularly impressive. He is understood to already be learning English but will fit in well with the growing contingent of Spanish-speaking players and staff at the club.
Sporting director Andrea Berta was able to secure the cut-price deal with the Spaniard down to the final year of his contract at the Mestalla. The 21-year-old was always keen on the move and turned down multiple offers of new deals from his old club and rejected interest from other clubs to prioritise the move to Arsenal.
Mosquera, a centre-back comfortable playing either side, is expected to provide the missing depth for William Saliba in addition to the long-term view of a place in the first team. Furthermore, the Spanish youth international has made appearances at right-back for Valencia and will offer cover, therefore, for Jurrien Timber and Ben White.
At 21, he has already made 90 appearances for Valencia and is one of the most utilised players in his age bracket in Europe. Experience at such a young level is what has attracted Berta to Mosquera’s signing, with the Italian a fan of the defender from his time with Atletico Madrid as their director.
Mosquera will join the group on their pre-season tour of Asia but joins too late to be involved against AC Milan. The Gunners are due to face Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur before returning to the UK.
