Arsenal Agree Terms With Christian Mosquera as Transfer Inches Closer

Arsenal have reached a full agreement on personal terms with Valencia centre-back Christian Mosquera and appear close to a transfer deal worth over £20m for the defender.

According to a previous report, Valencia are asking for €20 million (£17 million) for Christian Mosquera.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners had an initial £14m offer for Mosquera rejected by Valencia but have quickly moved to prepare a new bid, which will eclipse the £20m mark. Talks between the clubs are ongoing, and both sides will now try and reach an agreement once and for all following the agreement reached on personal terms, with the 21-year-old ace agreeing to a contract with Arsenal until 2030. Mosquera has been long-identified as a long-term investment for Arsenal, who feel that the Spaniard could eventually be a partner or successor to William Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back, creating real competition for places at Emirates Stadium.

A previous report confirmed that Arsenal is negotiating to sign Christian Mosquera from Valencia.

WHY MOSQUERA?

Mosquera has become an important player for Valencia, making 90 first team appearances where he has impressed with consistent performances in La Liga. Additionally, he enhanced his reputation further following a solid showing with Spain at the European Under-21 Championship, where he won many admirers. The general consensus is that Mosquera is one of the most talented young centre-backs in Europe, which is why Arsenal are so desperate to snap him up. More broadly, the move for Mosquera comes as Arsenal look to bolster their squad depth and add quality options. Although the Gunners finished second in the Premier League last season – just behind Liverpool – their squad depth was also tested to the limit.

A previous report stated that Valencia finished ninth in La Liga.

Indeed, central defence is an area of wild instability, with Saliba and Gabriel forming a rock-solid partnership that has seen Arsenal concede just 28 league goals last term—the best defensive record in the division. However, Mikel Arteta wants more options as he gears his side up for another title challenge, as well as a first Champions League campaign in five years.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Arsenal’s negotiators are expected to continue talks with Valencia over the next few days, with optimism high that the two sides will reach an agreement. Assuming that a deal is finalised, Mosquera will become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, following deals for Zubimendi, Norgaard and Arrizabalaga. In the meantime, Arsenal’s preparations for the new campaign are well underway, with Arteta set to rotate his squad during a high-profile friendly against Bayern Munich next week. Mosquera’s swift arrival could allow him to quickly settle into Arteta’s system and form a strong partnership with Saliba and Gabriel, which could be key to Arsenal’s title aspirations once again.

According to a previous report, Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season.