Arsenal struggle to land La Liga defender as talks hit deadlock | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Move for Cristhian Mosquera Hits Standstill After Valencia Reject Opening Bid

Transfer talks stall as Valencia hold firm on defender valuation

Arsenal’s pursuit of Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera has stalled after the Spanish club rejected an initial offer of around £12 million, according to The Mirror. The Gunners remain keen to sign the 21-year-old this summer but will need to significantly increase their bid to force a breakthrough in negotiations.

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Mosquera, highly rated in La Liga, is into the final year of his contract and has already expressed a clear desire to join Arsenal. The Spain youth international has informed Valencia of his intention to move to North London, despite the club offering him a new deal to extend his stay at the Mestalla.

Personal terms have reportedly been agreed between Mosquera’s representatives and Arsenal, who see him as a long-term option and an understudy to William Saliba. However, with talks between the two clubs now “completely stalled”, progress depends on Arsenal’s willingness to meet Valencia’s valuation, which is said to be in excess of £20 million.

RB Leipzig are also monitoring the situation, and while Mosquera is understood to prefer a move to the Premier League, Arsenal’s hesitation could provide an opening for the Bundesliga side to step in.

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“He has made it clear that he wants to join Arsenal,” sources close to the deal told the outlet, “but Valencia are not impressed with the initial offer and feel it falls short of his true value.”

The Gunners have already made strides in the window but will need to act decisively if they are to secure the Spanish defender’s signature before rival interest intensifies.

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For Arsenal fans, this update will be met with a mix of frustration and concern. Mosquera is clearly keen to join, personal terms are in place, and yet the deal is stuck because of a relatively modest gap in valuation. In today’s inflated market, £20 million for a 21-year-old with La Liga experience and a year left on his contract seems like good value.

Supporters will question why the club appear reluctant to meet the asking price, especially with the importance placed on squad depth and future-proofing the defence. If Saliba or Gabriel suffer an injury next season, having a young, mobile defender like Mosquera in reserve would make perfect sense.

There is also the lingering fear that another club, like Leipzig, could swoop in while Arsenal delay. The Gunners have been in this position before, strong interest, groundwork laid, then hesitation leads to losing out.

The hope is that the club are playing it tactically, trying to negotiate a better price. But time is not on their side. The longer the deal drags, the more complicated it becomes. Arsenal have a clear target in Mosquera. Now it is about showing the conviction to finish the job.