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By Barnaby Lane
Posted on 3 July 2025, 17:41
Arsenal receive major boost in pursuit of "physically dominant" defender also wanted by Real Madrid - Arsenal
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action with Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera. (REUTERS/Juan Medina)
After missing out on the Premier League title yet again in 2024/25, finishing second for a third consecutive season—this time behind Liverpool—Arsenal will be looking to the transfer market to find a solution that can finally help them claim the league crown.
And Mikel Arteta is already firmly on the case.
Just over a month into the window, The Gunners have announced one signing: goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who arrived from Chelsea in a £5 million deal. Another is on the horizon, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard expected to join soon.
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While a decent start that will fill the squad, it’s perhaps not the kind of move fans were hoping for, with many wanting higher quality and players with more potential to grow moving forward.
One player who fits both those categories is Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera, and Arsenal have just received a major boost in their pursuit of the 21-year-old.]
Arsenal Get Mosquera Boost
Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Arsenal have been chasing Mosquera, described by his former Valencia youth coach Miguel Ángel Angulo as “physically dominant, technically sound, and remarkably mature for his age,” for several weeks now. So far, they have been unsuccessful, with Valencia rejecting a £12 million bid.
Now, though, the Gunners have been handed a significant advantage in their pursuit.
According to Las Provincias, Mosquera, also linked with Real Madrid, has rejected a new long-term contract with Valencia that would have tied him to the club until 2028 and included a substantial salary increase.
The 21-year-old is understood to have his heart set on a move to Arsenal and has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League side.
The decision comes as a major blow to Valencia, who had planned to build around the Spain U21 international under new manager Carlos Corberán. With just one year remaining on his current deal, the club may now be forced to sell.
While Arsenal’s previous bid of was turned down, reports suggest Valencia will consider letting Mosquera leave for £17 million. Talks between the two clubs are expected to continue, with the player pushing for an agreement to be reached.
If Arsenal can get the deal over the line, Mosquera could become a cornerstone of their back line—and a clear signal of their intent to finally conquer the Premier League.
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