Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a second bid to sign Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.
The Gunners made an initial bid of £12.1m, but this was rejected by Valencia, who would like to keep hold of the 20-year-old.
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Arsenal wants to bring in another centre-back who can play behind William Saliba and Gabriel, as they have a lack of depth at the position. Last season, Jakub Kiwior stood in when Gabriel was injured, however, the Polish international has been linked with a move away.
With that in mind, Arsenal had been linked to Dutch centre-back Jorrel Hato, but they quickly turned their attention to Mosquera, who has also been linked to rivals Liverpool.
According to Fabrizio Romano via TeamTalk, Arsenal are preparing a second bid for the 20-year-old. He reports that the Gunners are aware that according to Valencia’s demands, it must be worth more than £17.3m in order to get a deal across the line.
Valencia have not given up hope of losing the defender as they have reportedly offered him a new contract. However, according to Spanish outlet Las Provincias, Mosquera rejected the offer, and has informed the La Liga club that he wants them to negotiate his sale to Arsenal instead.
Mosquera made 41 appearances for Valencia last season, scoring one goal. Aged just 20, he has become one of the most exciting centre-back prospects in Europe.
Arsenal want Mosquera as Hato rejects move
Ajax defender Hato was initially the first choice for Arsenal in terms of a young centre-back to boost their defensive depth, however, he has said that he doesn’t want to leave Ajax despite the Premier League interest in him.
He told Voetbal Primeur: “The smartest thing is to look at it per season. That’s what I do. Of course you want to achieve things in the end: the Champions League, a World Cup and a European Championship. I still have plenty of time. I don’t think I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years.
“In the Dutch league you have to show how good you are against the big clubs. Ultimately, I have to continue to develop the things I am already good at, so that it becomes top. How do I describe my time at Ajax? Ajax is home for me. I just feel at home here.”
Click here to see Arsenal’s first team squad ahead of the new season starting next month.