Arsenal have completed the signing of highly-rated Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia in a deal worth an initial €15 million (£13 million).
The 21-year-old, who can operate both as a centre-back and right-back, has signed a five-year contract with the option for an additional year, providing Mikel Arteta with much-needed defensive versatility following Takehiro Tomiyasu’s departure earlier this summer.
Mosquera, a product of Valencia’s youth academy, broke into the first team in 2022, becoming the club’s youngest-ever starting centre-back. His rapid development was evident last season, where he played the full 90 minutes in 37 of Valencia’s 38 La Liga matches, showcasing his durability and consistency in a campaign that saw the club finish 12th.
The Spain Under-21 international’s ability to read the game, combined with his composure in possession, makes him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, which emphasises ball-playing defenders.
“We’re delighted to bring Cristhian to Arsenal,” said sporting director Andreas Berta in the club’s release. “He’s one of Europe’s most consistent young defenders, with qualities that align perfectly with our style.” Manager Mikel Arteta added: “His defensive maturity and technical ability will strengthen our options.”
Mosquera told Arsenal.com: “This is a proud moment. I’ll give everything to help the team achieve its objectives.”The defender will join Arsenal’s preseason tour in Asia immediately, having received prior travel clearance from Valencia. He becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing after Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Nørgaard, and Noni Madueke.
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