Arsenal Signs Defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia for €15M

Arsenal Football Club has officially announced the signing of Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia CF. The 21-year-old player, touted as one of the most promising young defenders in European football, has joined the Gunners on a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, for an initial fee of approximately €15 million (£13 million). Mosquera's addition comes as Arsenal seeks to bolster its defensive lineup following the departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu, whose contract was mutually terminated earlier this month.
Mosquera, who hails from the Valencia youth system, made his first-team debut in 2022, becoming the youngest center-back in the club's history. Over the course of his tenure at Valencia, he accumulated 90 appearances, featuring prominently in the previous La Liga season where he played the full match in 37 of 38 games, contributing to the team finishing 12th in the league.
In a statement on the club's official website, Mosquera expressed his enthusiasm for joining Arsenal, stating, "I couldn't let it pass me by. I'm joining a historic, massive club. When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of the place." This sentiment was echoed by Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, who praised Mosquera’s "exciting talent and enormous potential."
Sporting Director Andrea Berta emphasized the significance of this signing, highlighting Mosquera's versatility as he can operate both as a center-back and a right-back. "We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future," Berta remarked.
Mosquera's attributes are expected to provide Arsenal with much-needed depth in defense, particularly as they aim to avoid the injuries that plagued their squad last season. Additionally, his ability to adapt to various defensive roles will enhance Arsenal's tactical flexibility.
As Mosquera prepares to join Arsenal's pre-season tour in Asia, he is set to meet his new teammates, having received permission to travel from Valencia prior to the confirmation of the transfer. The Gunners recently faced AC Milan in Singapore, emerging victorious with a 1-0 win, and will continue their tour with matches against Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, following their visit to Hong Kong.
This signing marks a significant step in Arsenal's summer transfer strategy, alongside the acquisitions of players such as Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke, as Arteta seeks to strengthen his squad ahead of the upcoming season. The club is poised for a promising future as it integrates young talent like Mosquera into its ranks, potentially shaping a new generation of success for Arsenal Football Club.
Advertisement
Tags
Advertisement