Cristhian Mosquera speaks on Arsenal 'opportunity' and reveals which former players had role in £13m transfer

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·24 Juli 2025

Cristhian Mosquera speaks on Arsenal 'opportunity' and reveals which former players had role in £13m transfer

Spanish defender spoke to a pair of former Arsenal players before making the move to the Emirates Stadium

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Cristhian Mosquera says he could not let the opportunity to join Arsenal pass him by having signed for an “historic, massive club”.

Mosquera’s move to Arsenal was officially confirmed on Thursday as the central defender joins from Valencia in a deal worth £13million (€15million), thus becoming the club’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window.

The talented defender has signed a five-year deal in north London, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Mosquera had a year left to run on his contract at the Mestalla but reportedly rejected an offer of a new one just to seal a move to Arsenal.

“It means a lot to me,” Mosquera said. “There’s been a lot of hard work behind all of this.

“It’s an opportunity that came up and I couldn’t let it pass me by. I’m joining a historic, massive club. When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of this place.”

It’s an opportunity that came up and I couldn’t let it pass me by. I’m joining a historic, massive club

Cristhian Mosquera

Despite only being 21, Mosquera arrives with plenty of top-flight experience under his belt. He played in all but one league game for Valencia last season, coming up against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

Coming off a strong campaign, the Spaniard is eager to improve and has outlined what Arsenal fans can expect from him.

He added: “It’s true my career has moved faster than expected and I’ve had to mature fast. Coming here is a chance to keep learning and improving.

“I’ll be working with great players and a top-class coaching staff, so that will help me develop personally.

“I’m a player with a lot of energy. I’m young, so I still have plenty to give. I’m fully motivated and excited. Above all, I want to improve, which will create competition within the squad. I’m really happy.”

Mosquera will add to a Spanish contingent at Arsenal that already includes the likes of fellow summer signings Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi as well as David Raya and Mikel Merino.

Although, having played alongside former Gunners Gabriel Paulista at Valencia as well as ex-academy product Yunus Musah, he has been given an insight into what life is like in north London.

“I have special friendships with both of them,” he revealed. “I’ve stayed in touch with them.

“When Gabi and I were at Valencia, he always said Arsenal was on a different level and something magical and I also played with Yunus once here in London. He said the same about how huge this club is.”