Cristhian Mosquera
Image credit: Getty Images
Valencia have swiftly rejected Arsenal’s opening offer of €19 million for highly-rated defender Cristhian Mosquera, signalling their determination to retain the 21-year-old amid growing interest from top European clubs.
Despite boasting solid defensive options, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains eager to bolster his backline this summer. The Gunners have turned their attention to Mosquera after failing to land Dean Huijsen, who opted to join Real Madrid. England international Marc Guehi and Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato have also been on Arsenal’s radar, but Mosquera is now understood to be Arteta’s top defensive target.
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According to Spanish outletEldesmarque, Valencia dismissed Arsenal’s initial bid out of hand, with the La Liga side viewing Mosquera as a central figure in their plans to rebuild the squad. The Spanish U21 international has also attracted interest from RB Leipzig, AC Milan, and Aston Villa, but Valencia are intent on keeping him and are pushing to extend his contract.
Cristhian Mosquera
Cristhian Mosquera (Image credit: Getty Images)
Mosquera’s current deal expires in 2026, although the club holds an option to extend it by another year. Talks over a new contract are ongoing, but negotiations have hit a snag over the proposed release clause. Valencia are seeking a clause worth €35 million, while the player’s representatives are demanding a lower figure, closer to €25 million. There could be room for compromise, particularly if Valencia secure European football for next season.
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A fresh round of talks is scheduled for July, with Valencia CEO Ron Gourlay set to lead discussions. Should a breakthrough fail to materialize, Arsenal may return with an improved offer in the region of €30 million, which could tempt the Spanish club to reconsider their stance.
The pursuit of Mosquera comes amid a flurry of transfer activity at the Emirates. Arsenal are closing in on deals for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard. The club also recently secured the future of promising academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly, who signed a new five-year contract earlier this week.
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