Arsenal - Andrea Berta
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Valencia CF defender Cristhian Mosquera may reportedly turn down a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer despite agreeing personal terms to join Arsenal some weeks ago.
According to Spanish reporter Nacho Sanchis, Valencia are not giving up on their efforts to keep centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, who Arsenal want to sign.
Despite agreeing personal terms on a long-term deal, Mosquera is reportedly now considering staying at Valencia if the Spanish club offers him a new contract with a £20 million release clause.
Mosquera, 20, has made 73 LaLiga appearances in the last two seasons and sources said Arsenal are well positioned to beat off competition to the defender, who is a Spain youth international but also eligible for Colombia.
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Valencia has reportedly offered the 21-year-old a new contract that would significantly increase his salary. There is no ‘unfair’ buyout clause in Valencia’s proposal, who offer Mosquera to stay and develop at Mestalla for a few years before going to a big club.
Arsenal, however, are prepared to give him a chance to make that leap now, and sources indicate that Mosquera is tempted by that opportunity.
Cristhian Mosquera
Cristhian Mosquera (Image credit: Getty Images)
The 21-year-old defender has been a target for the Gunners for some time, and his impressive performances for Valencia last season caught the attention of Mikel Arteta’s side.
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According to reports from Football Xtra, Valencia boss Carlos Corberan is keen to keep Mosquera at the club and has urged the management to avoid selling him this summer.
Mosquera’s current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, and the Spanish club may be looking to secure his services for the long term.
Arsenal are also reportedly lining up a new offer for Mosquera in the region of £20 million. The Gunners have been busy in the transfer market, adding Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Martin Zubimendi to their squad. However, Mosquera’s potential snub would be a significant blow to their defensive plans.
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