Defensive Cover and Midfield Depth Top Arsenal’s Summer Agenda | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Spanish Talent and Midfield Reinforcements

Mosquera Emerges as Arteta’s Priority

Arsenal’s summer strategy under Mikel Arteta continues to focus on strategic depth, with the Gunners reportedly close to a deal for Cristhian Mosquera. According to The Guardian, Arsenal are “hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign Cristhian Mosquera after holding talks with Valencia over the Spain under-21 international.”

Mosquera, who has amassed 90 first-team appearances for Valencia, is seen as ideal cover for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. “Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defensive options and has identified Mosquera… as their main target,” The Guardian reports. With Real Madrid also circling, Arsenal’s rejected opening offer of £16 million appears unlikely to stand. However, it’s believed “they are expected to return with a slightly improved bid that could persuade Valencia to sell.

Midfield Reshuffle Gains Momentum

Alongside the defensive push, Arsenal are expected to conclude a move for Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard. The Guardian writes: “Arsenal are also expected to wrap up the signing of Christian Nørgaard… having agreed a fee worth up to £15m for the Denmark midfielder.” The arrival of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad further highlights the club’s midfield evolution. One departure seems imminent: “Thomas Partey looks poised to leave after failing to agree a contract extension.”

Forest Hit by Rejection from Juventus Pair

In contrast, Nottingham Forest’s efforts in the market have stumbled. Moves for Juventus duo Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula, reportedly worth £19.6 million, have failed. “The pair rejected the move,” The Guardian notes. Weah and Mbangula were then omitted from the Juventus side that “were left out of the Juventus squad beaten 5-2 by Manchester City.”

Excited Arsenal Supporter

This could be the most sensible summer Arsenal have had in years. Mosquera looks like a classy addition. Young, experienced and raised in La Liga’s tactical crucible, he’s exactly what you want as Saliba’s shadow. If we’re going to fight on multiple fronts, depth like this matters.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers v Brentford Premier League 25/05/2025. Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha 10 claims foul from Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard 6 during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford at Molineux, Wolverhampton, England on 25 May 2025. Wolverhampton Molineux West Midlands England Editorial use only DataCo restrictions apply See www.football-dataco.com , Copyright: xManjitxNarotrax PSI-22187-0120

Nørgaard’s a quiet steal. £15 million for a Premier League-tested, press-resistant midfielder? That’s smart business. He might not dominate headlines, but he’ll help us control games and protect the backline. And Zubimendi? If that one gets done too, the midfield will be transformed.

Losing Partey makes sense. Injuries have disrupted his flow, and while he’s technically gifted, his wage demands and inconsistencies mean it’s probably time.

As for Forest, you’ve got to wonder how they pitch these moves. Weah and Mbangula rejecting them might sting, but it speaks to the uphill battle clubs like Forest face. If they can’t land their targets, survival could become a problem before a ball is even kicked.