New Arsenal Signing reveals ‘concerns’ over summer move | OneFootball

Cristhian Mosquera Reflects on Summer Switch to Arsenal

Arsenal’s new defensive recruit, Cristhian Mosquera, has shared his thoughts on the circumstances surrounding his move from Valencia this summer. In an interview with Spanish outlet Cadena SER, the 21-year-old revealed that although he is excited about his new chapter in North London, the departure from his boyhood club left mixed emotions.

Difficult Goodbye to Valencia

Mosquera was a regular starter at Valencia, having risen through their academy ranks. Yet with just one year left on his contract and unwilling to commit to an extension, the club opted to sell rather than risk losing him for free.

Photo IMAGO

“It’s clear that when you leave what has been your home, you would like everything to be a little different – both the statement and the things that have come out,” he said.

The young defender insisted that he holds nothing but respect for the Spanish club. “I’m never going to speak badly of Valencia because I’m a Valencianista, and it’s a club that has given me everything… Valencia is the club that gave me the opportunity to be a footballer and I will always be grateful, and to the fans too because they’ve always given me incredible support. I’m just another Valencia fan, but I ask them to understand.”

Early Arsenal Impressions

Mosquera has already made his mark at Arsenal, stepping up at Anfield when William Saliba was forced off injured. Reflecting on the Premier League’s intensity, he admitted: “I’m feeling pretty good, but it’s true that the game is different from La Liga. There’s more back and forth, it’s more direct … but it’s crazy.”

Fierce Competition for Minutes

Despite a positive debut, Mosquera knows breaking into Arsenal’s back line will not be easy. “I have good players there, but when I made the change I knew I was joining one of the best teams in the world, with the best players – that I would have to compete and it wouldn’t be easy,” he said.

Fortunately, his manager is backing him. “[Mikel] Arteta is very happy with me, he’s very close and is helping me a lot with the coaching staff. You arrive somewhere new and you have to adapt quickly to a new playing system.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, Mosquera’s comments reveal both maturity and ambition. It is clear that leaving Valencia was emotionally difficult, but his honesty about “sometimes in football you have to look out for yourself” shows a player who understands the realities of the modern game. Supporters will likely admire the respect he continues to show for his former club while also embracing the challenges ahead at Arsenal.

On the pitch, his debut at Anfield was an encouraging glimpse into his potential. To be thrown in so early, against one of the league’s toughest attacking sides, and still look composed speaks volumes. Arsenal fans will be reassured that even at 21, he is prepared for the demands of English football. His admission that “there’s more back and forth, it’s more direct … but it’s crazy” captures the cultural shift perfectly.

The real test will come in sustaining performance levels against high-calibre competition within Arsenal’s own squad. Gabriel, Saliba, and new signing Piero Hincapie form a formidable defensive unit, meaning opportunities will be earned rather than given. Yet the fact that Mosquera feels “Arteta is very happy with me” suggests he is already adapting well.

For Arsenal supporters, this signing looks like a long-term investment rather than a quick fix. Mosquera’s blend of technical skill, composure, and humility fits seamlessly with the ethos Mikel Arteta has been building. If he continues on this trajectory, he could develop into a central figure for years to come.