Cristhian Mosquera has publicly confirmed his departure from Valencia, with the highly-rated 21-year-old centre-back now widely expected to join Arsenal in the coming days. Speaking emotionally in a video posted online — filmed while meeting a Valencia supporter — Mosquera bid farewell to the club he joined as a young boy.
“This is my home and it always will be,” Mosquera said. “I arrived here at 12 years old and I’m leaving as a man. I’m a bit sad.”
The comments mark the first time Mosquera has directly addressed his imminent exit, and they all but confirm reports linking him with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have been strongly pursuing the Spain youth international, and a deal is now believed to be close.
The Gunners have made strengthening their defensive options a priority this summer, and Mosquera has emerged as one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe. Known for his composure, physical presence, and tactical intelligence, the 6’2″ defender fits the profile Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are looking for as they build a squad capable of competing on all fronts.
Arsenal’s interest in Mosquera has accelerated in recent weeks, especially after it became clear the player would not sign a contract extension with Valencia. With only one year remaining on his deal, the La Liga side have been left with little choice but to negotiate a transfer fee now — rather than risk losing him for free in 2026.
According to reports, Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Mosquera, and formal negotiations with Valencia are at an advanced stage. The expected fee is believed to be around €15 million plus performance-based add-ons, bringing the total package close to €20 million.
For Mosquera, the move represents the next big step in his career. He made 25 La Liga appearances for Valencia last season, often impressing with his maturity and calm under pressure, despite his young age. His performances drew interest from several European clubs, but it is Arsenal who have moved fastest and most decisively.
Sources close to the club suggest Mosquera has been drawn to the project at Arsenal, where he will initially provide cover and competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. But with Arteta known for rotating his squad across multiple competitions — and with injuries always a factor in the modern game — the youngster is expected to play a meaningful role in the 2025/26 campaign.
Mosquera’s emotional farewell shows just how much Valencia has meant to him, but the defender is now set for a new chapter in North London. Barring any late complications, Arsenal fans should expect an official announcement soon — and the arrival of yet another exciting young talent at the Emirates.
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