Not a season goes by without Mikel Arteta bringing in at least one defender – typically a centre-back or someone capable of fulfilling central defensive duties. And despite the team’s long-standing need for a proper striker, Arsenal has consistently focused on strengthening the backline. This transfer window is no different. Even as the club edges closer to finally landing a centre-forward (Viktor Gyokeres), the north Londoners are preparing to welcome yet another central defender.That defender appears to be Cristhian Mosquera. After Valencia initially rejected Arsenal’s first bid, the Gunners club reopened negotiations, and according to Fabrizio Romano, the two sides have now reached an agreement for the highly rated centre-back.🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Christian Mosquera to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place with formal steps to follow.€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— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2025 Valencia did everything it could to retain the 21-year-old Spanish international of Colombian descent, but ultimately found itself in a no-win situation, largely created by the player himself. After Arsenal’s first offer was turned down, Los Che attempted to extend Mosquera’s contract, but the defender rejected the proposal.He didn’t just turn down Valencia. RB Leipzig had also reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish club earlier in the window, only for Valencia to increase the asking price following Mosquera’s standout performances at the U21 European Championship.##NAJAVA_MECA_9016395##At the time, the fee was set at around €25 million. However, with Mosquera eligible to negotiate a free transfer as early as January, Valencia had little leverage. Fully aware of this, the club agreed to a significantly lower deal: Arsenal will pay €15 million upfront, with an additional €5 million in potential bonuses. It’s a price well below his market value. Transfermarkt estimates his worth at €30 million.Gyokeres’ path to Arsenal halted by a ‘trifle’This move marks Arsenal’s fourth signing, following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and the soon-to-be-confirmed Viktor Gyokeres. Among the four, Mosquera is the only one expected to be gradually integrated into the squad. The plan is for him to learn alongside William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, although his experience is already noteworthy: over the past two seasons, Mosquera has made 79 senior appearances for Valencia across all competitions.##NAJAVA_MECA_9017789##
