Softfootball can report that Arsenal are seeking to reinforce their defence ahead of the new season with increasing talks with Valencia youngster Cristhian Mosquera.
The Gunners are close to finalising a deal for the signature of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, with personal terms already agreed and a club-to-club agreement now nearing completion.
According to The Athletic, Mosquera, 21, has been on Arsenal’s radar since the start of the summer, with the club prioritising defensive reinforcements after a season in which Mikel Arteta’s side once again fell just short in the Premier League title race.
Mosquera made 41 appearances for Valencia last term, impressing with his consistency across 37 of their 38 La Liga games. He also featured for Spain at this summer’s Under-21 European Championship, where he played three games and created an assist.
The Gunners see Mosquera as a key addition to provide competition and cover for the first-choice centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, who featured in 51 and 42 matches, respectively, last season.
Arsenal had also explored a move for Dean Huijsen before the Dutch defender completed a switch from Bournemouth to Real Madrid earlier in the window.
Mosquera would become the latest arrival in a busy window at the Emirates. Arsenal have already signed midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, and agreed to a deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. An agreement is also in place with Sporting CP for striker Viktor Gyökeres in a package worth €73.5m.
Recall that Softfootball had earlier reported that Arsenal are close to signing Viktor Gyokeres after the London club and the striker’s club agreed on a €73.5m transfer fee.
According to football transfer expert David Ornstein, his sources in Lisbon have confirmed that the Portuguese club has reached an agreement with the Gunners for Gyokeres. The deal is worth a €63.5m guaranteed fee plus €10m in add-ons.
With Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Riccardo Calafiori all capable of playing in central defence, Mosquera’s signing would further strengthen Arteta’s options, particularly following the exit of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who left by mutual consent after an injury-hit campaign.
