Since taking the hot seat at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has got plenty of things right.
He's taken a team that were spiralling with no end in sight and turned them into genuine contenders for the Premier League and Champions League.
Additionally, he has overseen several impressive signings, including Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, David Raya, and Gabriel Magalhães.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a lap of appreciation after the match
Yet, arguably the Spaniard's most underrated purchase since becoming manager has been that of Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion, who joined the club for a relatively low price of £27m, and has since produced 51 goal involvements in 124 games.
And now, based on reports, it looks like Arsenal are about to sign another promising player who could emulate the Belgian international over the coming years.
Arsenal's summer business so far
There was plenty of justifiable unease earlier this summer, as it appeared that Arsenal would once again take too long to sign their targets, or, like last year, massively underinvest in the squad.
Fortunately, such concerns can now be firmly put to rest, as the club have already announced three signings: Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Add to that Viktor Gyokeres, who is reportedly set for his medical on Friday, Noni Madueke, who has already passed his, and the fact that links to Eberechi Eze refuse to go away, and this window is shaping up to be one to remember for the North Londoners.
Arsenal-Eze-Gyokeres (1)
Moreover, we could be days away from another announcement, an announcement for someone who could end up becoming something of a new Trossard for Arteta.
At least that's according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal have almost completed the signing of centre-back Christian Mosquera.
The Italian journalist claims that the Gunners have now exchanged documents with Valencia and agreed a final fee of €15m - £13m - plus add-ons for the Spaniard, with the overall package coming in at under €20m, which is about £17m.
Moreover, fans shouldn't have to wait too long to see the 20-year-old in red and white, as Romano has revealed that his medical is planned for today.
Cristhian-Mosquera
In all, it looks like a sensational bit of business for Arsenal, and we can't help but see him following a similar path to Trossard over the coming years.
Why Mosquera could emulate Trossard at Arsenal
Now, it is an undeniable fact that, as someone who primarily plays at centre-back, Mosquera is quite different from Trossard.
leandro-trossard-arsenal-manchester-city-premier-league-title
However, when we discuss the young Spaniard emulating the Belgian at Arsenal, his position and playing style aren't particularly relevant; instead, it is more about the finances involved, the role he could play in the squad next season, and the expectations placed on him.
For example, when the former Brighton star joined the North Londoners in 2023, he did so for a decent fee and as a back-up option to the then far more talented Gabriel Martinelli.
The Waterschei-born ace was a third-choice winger, but through good performances, he was able to secure plenty of minutes and improve his reputation among fans.
That is the path we see the Valencia ace taking, as, due to his right-footedness, there is no doubt that his role next season will be as the back-up to William Saliba.
cristhian-mosquera-valencia
Moreover, with Riccardo Calafiori being so injury-prone and being more of a left-back option, as well as reports that Jakub Kiwior could still leave this summer, the Spaniard could instantly be the third-choice centre-back.
Finally, based on his performances for Valencia, and the way those in the know speak about him, there is every chance Arteta tasks him with playing more games than some might be expecting.
Mosquera's senior record
Appearances
Starts
Minutes
Goals
Points per Game
Yellow Cards
Second Yellow Cards
Red Cards
All Stats via Transfermarkt
For example, despite just turning 21 years old, the "dominant" defender, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has made 137 first-team appearances for the Murciélagos, of which 129 have been starts.
On top of that, Mattinson has argued that he's similar to Myles Lewis-Skelly in the sense that he's already so good, he's "past the point of being compared to the best young players in his position."
Lastly, U23 scout Antonio Mango has been incredibly complimentary of the young defender, stating that he possesses "a nice blend of physical prowess and a deep understanding of the game."
Additionally, his ability to play on the right or left, as well as at right-back, "offers flexibility" to his manager.
Real Betis' Vitor Roque in action with Valencia's Cristhian Mosquera
Ultimately, Mosquera is a very different player to Trossard, but there is a strong chance he ends up fulfilling a similar role to him next season, but in defence, as the reliable third option who ends up getting far more game time than most expect.
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[He's Cazorla 2.0: Arsenal make £100k-p/w "superstar" their new top target](https://www.footballfancast.com/new-cazorla-arsenal-make-eberechi-eze-their-new-top-target/ "He's Cazorla 2.0: Arsenal make £100k-p/w "superstar" their new top target")
The incredible international could be Arsenal's new version of the Spanish magician.