Arsenal Set to Sign ‘Commanding’ 21-year-old Defender | OneFootball

Arsenal Close In on Cristhian Mosquera Signing from Valencia

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Valencia’s highly rated centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his defensive options ahead of the new season.

Although the Gunners already have the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber at their disposal, Arteta sees the addition of Mosquera as key to maintaining depth and competition across the back line.

While White, Calafiori and Timber have often been deployed as full-backs, the focus has turned to strengthening the central defensive core, where Saliba, Gabriel and Kiwior are the main specialists.

Rising Star at Valencia

Born to Colombian parents, 21-year-old Cristhian Mosquera has been making waves at Valencia. His sporting journey began in basketball before a chance move into futsal with local Alicante side San Blas Cañavate, where his cousin played. That accidental step sparked a rise through footballing ranks, first at Hercules and then Valencia, whom he joined aged 12.

Originally a winger with pace and power, Mosquera transitioned to central defence at Valencia, where his blend of athleticism and intelligence has impressed coaches and pundits alike.

Photo IMAGO

Why Arsenal See Mosquera as a Perfect Fit

Standing at 6’3”, Mosquera brings a commanding physical presence, but his game is marked more by composure and maturity than pure aggression. Miguel-Angel Angulo, manager at Valencia Mestalla, summed it up: “He is characterised by a physical condition and good technical qualities, powerful in the air, and mature for his age.”

Mosquera made his senior debut for Valencia in January 2022 in a Copa del Rey win over Atletico Baleares and played his first La Liga match days later against Sevilla. Since then, he has established himself as one of La Liga’s standout young defenders, playing 37 of 38 league games last season and completing the full 90 minutes in each.

International Success Adds to Profile

Although yet to be called up to Spain’s senior side, Mosquera has represented the country at every youth level. He was part of the Olympic gold medal-winning squad at Paris 2024 and played a starring role at the European Under-21 Championship, where Spain reached the semi-finals before falling to England.

What to Expect at Arsenal

With a move to north London nearing completion, Mosquera will likely provide cover and competition for Arsenal’s first-choice pairing of Saliba and Gabriel. Kiwior proved a dependable deputy last season when Gabriel suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, and Mosquera will be expected to deliver similar reliability when called upon.

Arsenal fans have every reason to be excited about this signing. Mosquera’s technical ability, tactical maturity and international experience make him an ideal addition to a squad aiming to compete on multiple fronts.