Arsenal are “now very advanced” in their discussions to sign Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, according to The Athletic ‘s David Ornstein.
The trusted journalist claims that the Gunners are working hard to get the deal over the line for the Spanish youth international.
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An offer in the region of €14m (£12m) has already been rejected for Mosquera, and it is believed that Valencia are hoping to receive considerably more than that.
€20m (£17m) may be enough to get the move sealed, but it remains to be seen when Mikel Arteta’s side will table their second bid.
Why do Arsenal want the centre-half?
The departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu is believed to have prompted the decision to seek out a replacement.
A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that the Japanese defender’s contract with the Gunners had been terminated by mutual consent.
Tomiyasu made just one appearance last campaign and was forced to undergo knee surgery. However, the operation means he could miss the first half of next season too. With the player only having a year remaining on his current deal, the two parties decided to part ways.
Another signing could arrive before Mosquera
Arsenal are believed to be finalising a deal for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. An agreement in principle has been reached on the transfer fee, with Arteta’s team expected to pay €63.5m (£55m) up front, with another €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons.
It has been claimed that Gyokeres’s agents have flown into London to put the finishing touches to the move, and a medical could soon follow if there are no last-minute hiccups.
Gyokeres would be the Gunners’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window, with the club having already snapped up Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Cristian Norgaard.
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