Arsenal have had an opening bid rejected by Valencia for highly-rated defender Cristhian Mosquera, but the Gunners remain intent on pushing for a deal.
The North London club tabled an offer worth around £16 million for the Spain Under-21 international, but the Spanish side turned it down, insisting they will not part with the centre-back for less than their valuation.
Mosquera, 21, is entering the final year of his contract at the Mestalla, and while Valencia have made efforts to extend his stay, there is still no agreement in place.
The defender is open to renewing, but talks have yet to progress meaningfully. As things stand, there is growing interest in his situation from across Europe, with Arsenal currently leading the race.
Mikel Arteta sees Mosquera as a valuable addition to his defensive unit, capable of developing behind the first-choice pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, who were instrumental in Arsenal’s recent consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League.
The Gunners are expected to return with an improved offer soon, having already held initial discussions with Valencia and the player’s representatives.
Sources close to the situation say personal terms would not be a stumbling block, with Mosquera attracted by the prospect of working under Arteta and playing in the Champions League.
The Spaniard featured for his country at the European Under-21 Championship earlier this summer and will report back later than his Valencia teammates for pre-season.
Despite rejecting Arsenal’s opening approach, Valencia are facing a dilemma. The club want to renew Mosquera’s deal but risk losing him for free next summer if no breakthrough is reached.
Internally, the club are clear they will not sell the player for a fee they feel undervalues his potential. However, with each passing day, the chances of securing a renewal appear to diminish.
Mosquera is reportedly listening to all proposals, but Arsenal’s interest is the most concrete, and the player is said to be impressed by the Gunners’ project and development track record.
The situation remains fluid, but Arsenal are pushing to reach a compromise in the coming weeks as they continue efforts to bolster their squad depth ahead of a busy season.
A second bid is expected shortly, and while Valencia remain firm, a resolution may not be far away.