VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 09: Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia CF celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga match between Valencia CF and CD Leganes at Estadio Mestalla on February 09, 2025 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
The 21-year-old, who made 41 appearances last season for Valencia and played for Spain at the Under-21 European Championship, is viewed within Arsenal as a key addition to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
Discussions between the clubs remain active, with further negotiations expected in the coming days.
Valencia turned down Arsenal’s initial proposal, believed to be just under £16 million, despite the player entering the final two years of his contract and no sign of a renewal being agreed. Sources close to the Spanish side have made clear they will not sell under pressure but are open to a deal should an acceptable offer arrive.
Arsenal are understood to be preparing a second bid closer to Valencia’s £17-21 million valuation. Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, confirmed that Mosquera wants to go to Arsenal and that he’s not scared to compete with Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba for starts.
Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s recently appointed sporting director, made initial contact in early May, before stepping up interest this week with a formal offer. His presence has already been felt behind the scenes at London Colney, and Mosquera is seen as a investment both for the future and immediate depth.
VALENCIA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 09: Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia CF celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga match between Valencia CF and CD Leganes at Estadio Mestalla on February 09, 2025 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Spanish publication Superdeporte reports that while Carlos Corberan and Valencia’s sporting director Miguel Corona have expressed their desire to build a project around Mosquera, the lack of a matching financial commitment risks pushing the player out. As of now, Mosquera remains open to staying, but Arsenal’s offer of Premier League and Champions League football is a compelling one.
Real Madrid and RB Leipzig had previously monitored the player, but the German side withdrew over concerns regarding the fee. Arsenal have reportedly made a centre-back one of their key priorities this window, and David Ornstein confirmed that Mosquera tops the list of targets in that position.
Alongside Mosquera, Arsenal are finalising the signings of Christian Nørgaard from Brentford and Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, with Thomas Partey expected to depart the club.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND: Christian Norgaard of Brentford celebrates victory after the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Brentford FC at City Ground on May 01, 2025. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Mosquera, born in Alicante and a product of Valencia’s youth academy, would arrive at the Emirates with significant La Liga experience, having already featured in 90 first-team matches. Despite his age, his tactical intelligence and versatility have impressed Arsenal scouts. Arteta is understood to be confident the player can integrate quickly and provide meaningful competition across the backline.
Valencia, for their part, remain aware of their dwindling leverage. Should no sale materialise this summer, Mosquera will enter the final 18 months of his contract when the January window opens, at which point his value will only diminish. Arsenal, by moving early and securing the player’s agreement, are positioning themselves to take full advantage of the situation.
The club is expected to return with an improved bid imminently.
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