Cristhian Mosquera
Image credit: Getty Images
Valencia CF defender Cristhian Mosquera has confirmed his departure from the club in a heartfelt video, as he prepares to complete a move to Premier League side Arsenal.
The 21-year-old Spain U21 international, who has been part of the Valencia setup since the age of 12, expressed deep gratitude to the club and its supporters in an emotional farewell shared byRadio MARCA Valencia. Mosquera’s message came after Arsenal and Valencia reached a verbal agreement for his transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
“This is my home, and it will always be,” Mosquera said in the video. “I arrived here at 12 years old, and I’m leaving as a man. I’m a little sad.” His remarks reflect the strong bond he developed at the Mestalla, having made 90 senior appearances and playing almost every minute of the 2024–25 La Liga season.
MOSQUERA
🎙️ Declaraciones / video @RadioMARCA
🙌 El jugador se DESPIDE del VALENCIA
🎙️ “Esta es mi casa y siempre lo va a ser. Llegué aquí con 12 años y me voy siendo un hombre. Estoy un poco triste”
📻 Todo YA en #radiomarca pic.twitter.com/ldtm89YY4n
— Radio Marca Valencia (@RMValencia) July 14, 2025
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According to The Athletic and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal will pay an initial €15 million (£13 million) for the versatile defender, with a further €4–5 million (£3.5 million) in potential add-ons. The deal is viewed as a bargain given Mosquera’s €20 million release clause and Valencia’s earlier valuation of up to €30 million. With only a year remaining on his contract, Valencia were forced to accept the offer after the player turned down multiple extension proposals, making it clear he only wanted a move to North London.
Cristhian Mosquera
Cristhian Mosquera (Image credit: Getty Images)
Capable of playing both at centre-back and right-back, Mosquera is expected to bolster Mikel Arteta’s defensive options, offering depth behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, while also covering for the departed Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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Former Valencia youth coach Miguel-Ángel Angulo praised Mosquera as “powerful in the air and mature for his age,” qualities that have earned him a place on the 2024 Golden Boy award shortlist.
Mosquera is scheduled to undergo his medical later this week and could join Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore and Hong Kong.
The arrival of Mosquera marks another statement signing in what has been a busy summer at the Emirates. Arsenal have already added Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the club’s spending now exceeding £200 million. Further reinforcements are reportedly on the way, with deals for Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres also nearing completion, signalling a bold squad overhaul under new sporting director Andrea Berta.
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