David Ornstein: Arsenal strengthen defence with Valencia star on verge of signing | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Defensive Depth Grows with Cristhian Mosquera Deal Imminent

Mosquera Move Signals Clear Strategy

Arsenal are on the brink of finalising a deal for highly-rated Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, with personal terms already in place and an agreement between clubs nearing completion. As David Ornstein of The Athletic reported, “The north London side were working on a deal to sign Mosquera with a defensive signing a priority this summer.” The club’s intent is unambiguous: reinforce a backline already brimming with talent and potential.

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Mosquera, 21, was a mainstay for Valencia last term, making 41 appearances in all competitions, including 37 of 38 La Liga matches. His consistency extended to the international stage, representing Spain in three of their four under-21 European Championship games. Arsenal clearly value his durability and composure, especially as an option behind the established duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Building a Robust Backline

With Saliba and Gabriel making 51 and 42 appearances respectively last season, Mikel Arteta has depended on their reliability. Yet the need for quality depth is obvious. Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are all in the mix, but the addition of Mosquera ensures competition remains fierce.

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The club had reportedly tracked Dean Huijsen before he joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth, but the focus quickly shifted to Mosquera. With Takehiro Tomiyasu’s persistent injuries leading to his departure by mutual consent in July, Arsenal could not afford to stand still.

Active Window Continues

This summer’s business speaks volumes about Arsenal’s ambition. Alongside Mosquera, they have sealed moves for Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard in midfield, as well as Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. In attack, deals for Noni Madueke and Sporting CP’s prolific forward Viktor Gyokeres, reportedly worth €73.5 million, further underline their all-round strengthening.

A Calculated Investment in the Future

Mosquera may not displace Saliba or Gabriel immediately, but his experience, youth and positional intelligence could be crucial across a long campaign. He represents not just cover but a potential successor.

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There is genuine excitement among Arsenal supporters about the Mosquera deal. At just 21 years old, the Spanish defender arrives with a remarkable amount of top-flight experience. Forty-one games last season for Valencia, plus his contributions at the U21 Euros, suggest he’s battle-tested and mature beyond his years.

Fans remember too well the dip in form when key defenders were injured last season. The addition of Mosquera means there will be less reliance on makeshift backlines or hurried tactical tweaks. “Ideal cover for first-choice centre-back pairing Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba,” is how Ornstein describes him. That line alone eases concerns and lifts expectations.

Kiwior and Timber have their strengths, but they’re not specialists in central roles to the same extent. Calafiori remains untested in the Premier League. Mosquera feels like the right fit: mobile, intelligent and physically ready. While Gyokeres might steal headlines, this signing might prove just as pivotal if Arsenal are to go deep into Europe and challenge for the Premier League again.

There’s cautious optimism, but also trust. With Arteta and Edu crafting a squad with balance and resilience, Mosquera looks like a smart, future-facing piece of business.