Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is pushing to get a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera over the line.
Cristian Mosquera
Cristhian Mosquera has emerged as a target for Arsenal in defence (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta is keen to secure the signature of Valencia's 20-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera - and the player has said yes to joining the north Londoners. RB Leipzig were initially frontrunners for the Spanish U21 international, who recently participated in the U21 Euros in Slovakia with Spain, but the German club withdrew due to financial constraints.
However, Arsenal's interest in Mosquera predates these developments, with Spanish insiders revealing that Berta first expressed the Gunners' interest back in early May. Mosquera, who can also operate as a right-back, is seen as an ideal back-up for William Saliba and has caught the attention of Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid.
Nonetheless, Arsenal are making headway in negotiations and are optimistic about reaching an agreement for a bargain price - possibly less than £17million (€20m) - given that Mosquera's contract is due to expire next year.
Valencia had hoped to extend Mosquera's contract, but talks have hit a snag in recent months. The player was hesitant to include a hefty release clause in any new deal, fearing it might hinder his chances of securing a move in the future.
Despite grappling with financial woes, La Liga outfit Valencia had promised to table a competitive contract offer for Mosquera after discussions with his agent Sergio Barila. However, the proposal has yet to materialise, leading the sought-after defender to prioritise a move to Arsenal, with personal terms expected to be a mere formality.
Valencia's predicament is further complicated by interest in their other two centre-backs, Cesar Tarrega and Yarek Gasiorowski, from Bologna and Feyenoord respectively. Given that Mosquera is viewed as their most valuable asset, Valencia may attempt to negotiate a hefty fee.
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Cristhian Mosquera could be available on the cheap at below £20m
However, their bargaining power is undermined by Mosquera's eagerness to join Arsenal and the fact that he could leave on a free transfer in 2026 if they refuse to sell.
Arsenal have already secured deals for Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, with official announcements pending. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is also poised to put pen to paper at the Emirates following successful negotiations with Brentford on Wednesday afternoon.
Berta has been scouring the market for defensive reinforcements for Arteta, who has emphasised the need to bolster his centre-back options. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Club Brugge's Joel Ordonez are among the potential targets under consideration.
Interest in the adaptable Dutch U21 star Jorrel Hato continues, but at this point, any deal would likely hinge on the futures of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, as well as Ajax's potential asking price.