Arsenal’s pursuit of Cristhian Mosquera has hit an early snag, with Valencia rejecting the Gunners’ opening offer for the highly-rated 20-year-old centre-back. Despite the setback, discussions between the two clubs are ongoing, and Arsenal remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached later in the summer window.
### Valencia Stand Firm
Valencia’s initial stance was clear — Arsenal’s bid, reportedly under €19 million, was not enough to meet their valuation for Mosquera. The Spanish club considers the young defender a key part of their long-term project and are not prepared to let him go cheaply. With his contract running until 2026, Valencia believe they are in a strong negotiating position and have no immediate pressure to sell.
### Arsenal Still Interested
Arsenal’s initial offer included a structure with performance-based add-ons, potentially rising to €20 million. However, it was still not sufficient to convince Valencia to sell. The two clubs have kept lines of communication open, with further talks expected. The situation could evolve if Valencia struggle to agree on a contract extension with Mosquera, who is yet to commit to a new long-term deal.
### Mosquera’s Appeal
Mosquera has developed into a dependable starter in La Liga, earning praise for his composure, technical ability, and defensive intelligence. He is viewed as a modern centre-back capable of playing out from the back, making him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s tactical system. Arsenal’s recruitment team, led by Andrea Berta, has been tracking Mosquera’s progress for some time and views him as a long-term investment.
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their defensive depth this summer to support their established pairing of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba. With several competitions to navigate next season, including the Champions League, the Gunners are keen to bring in a young defender who can contribute immediately while also developing for the future.
### What’s Next?
Negotiations are expected to continue through the summer, especially if contract talks between Mosquera and Valencia do not progress. Valencia may reconsider their stance if the player shows hesitation in renewing his deal. The club is believed to be holding out for an improved bid closer to €25 million, a fee that better reflects Mosquera’s value and potential.
Arsenal are weighing their options and could return with a revised offer. The North London club has shown a willingness to be patient and strategic in the market, and that approach may continue here. They have not ruled out exploring alternative targets if a deal for Mosquera proves too difficult to complete.
### Final Thoughts
Although Arsenal’s first bid for Cristhian Mosquera was rejected, the door remains open. The Gunners are expected to return with an improved proposal, while Valencia’s decision could hinge on the player’s willingness to extend his stay. For now, this is a developing story — one that could define part of Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy.
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