Arsenal have entered active negotiations to sign 20-year-old Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, following their failed attempt to land Dean Huijsen, who opted to join Real Madrid instead.
Talks are underway between the Gunners, Valencia, and Mosquera’s representatives as the North London club continues to reshape its backline.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been the cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence for the past three seasons, with Gabriel recently signing a long-term deal. Despite the availability of versatile backups like Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior, there is a clear push to strengthen the squad’s defensive depth.
Kiwior, who stepped in effectively during Gabriel’s injury absence last season, may soon leave for Serie A in search of regular minutes. Arsenal had targeted Huijsen as a long-term replacement but are now turning their focus to Mosquera.
Fabrizio Romano reports that initial talks are progressing over a move for Mosquera, who has already made 90 senior appearances for Valencia. The 6ft 3in Spain Under-21 international missed only one league match last season, due to suspension, and impressed with his composure and physical presence across 37 La Liga games.
Mosquera, comfortable at both centre-back and right-back, scored his first senior goal in a 2-0 win over Leganes and was part of Spain’s Under-21 team that reached the European Championship quarter-finals, where they lost to England. He also played a role in Spain’s Olympic gold-medal triumph in Paris.
With Takehiro Tomiyasu ruled out until 2026 due to a knee injury and uncertainty around Kiwior’s future, Mosquera is viewed as a strong long-term solution in Arsenal’s defence. He could join a growing list of arrivals that includes or will soon include Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard.
Despite having the league’s best defensive record last season, Arsenal remain keen to reinforce further. However, concerns persist about their lack of transfer activity up front.
Top targets like Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, and Rodrygo have yet to progress, and fans are eager to see the club shift focus to attacking signings. With defensive and midfield positions nearly addressed, Arsenal now face pressure to accelerate their search for firepower in the final third.