Arsenal have secured a significant coup in their summer transfer window, agreeing a deal with Valencia to sign highly-rated centre-back Cristhian Mosquera for an initial £13 million, with additional add-ons. The 21-year-old Spanish defender has also agreed personal terms on a five-year contract, marking another strategic acquisition for Mikel Arteta’s side as they prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Christian Mosquera to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with formal steps to follow.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2025
€15m fee plus add-ons, total package under €20m. Long term deal in place, Mosquera who only wanted Arsenal.
Medical ready later this week if all goes to plan. 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/O80qKKxHnt
Mosquera is expected to arrive in the UK within the next 24-48 hours to undergo a medical and finalize the transfer, with Arsenal hopeful of completing the formalities in time for him to join their pre-season tour squad departing for Asia on Saturday. The move comes as part of Arsenal’s priority to strengthen their defensive ranks, providing cover and competition for first-choice centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
🚨❤️🤍 Christian Mosquera’s medical at Arsenal have been booked with documents in place between clubs.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2025
Mosquera will sign long term deal later this week. Here we go, fully confirmed. pic.twitter.com/pB7LQeOsnt
The young defender, who made 41 appearances for Valencia last season, including 37 starts in La Liga, has been a standout performer in Spain. His composure, aerial ability, and knack for playing out from the back also earned him three appearances for Spain’s U21 side at the 2025 European Championship. Mosquera’s versatility and potential make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s high-pressing, possession-based system, offering depth alongside existing options like Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Mosquera bid an emotional farewell to Valencia, where he has spent nearly a decade since joining their academy at age 12. Speaking to Radio Marca Valencia, he said, “This is my home, and it always will be. I arrived here at 12 years old, and I’m leaving as a man. I’m a bit sad.” His heartfelt words reflect the deep connection he forged with the club, where he made 71 senior appearances and established himself as one of La Liga’s brightest defensive prospects.Arsenal’s transfer activity has been relentless this summer, with Mosquera joining an impressive list of signings, including Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi (£60m), Brentford’s Christian Norgaard (£15m), Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m), and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. The Gunners have also agreed a £70 million deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, signaling their ambition to challenge for the Premier League title after three consecutive second-place finishes.
Cristhian Mosquera - 1v1 Defending and Recovery (2024/25)pic.twitter.com/6pyGvsa9nU
— AFC_Adi (@AFC_Adi06) July 13, 2025
The acquisition of Mosquera, at a relatively modest initial fee, represents shrewd business by sporting director Andrea Berta, who outmaneuvered late interest from other European clubs to secure the defender’s signature. With Takehiro Tomiyasu’s departure earlier this month due to persistent injury issues, Mosquera’s arrival adds much-needed depth and long-term potential to Arsenal’s backline.
As Mosquera prepares to embark on his new chapter at the Emirates, Arsenal fans will be eager to see the young Spaniard integrate into Arteta’s squad. With pre-season preparations in full swing, the Gunners are shaping up to be a formidable force, and Mosquera’s addition could prove pivotal in their quest for silverware in the upcoming season.
