Arsenal have completed the signing of highly rated Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, the club announced Thursday, taking their summer spending close to £140 million ($189 million) ahead of the new season.
The 21-year-old Spain under-21 international joins the Gunners for an initial fee of around £13 million, with performance-based add-ons included. He has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a sixth year, and becomes Arsenal’s fifth major signing of the summer transfer window.
Mosquera, who made 41 appearances for Valencia last season, is expected to provide depth and competition for William Saliba and Gabriel in central defence, though he is also capable of playing across the back line. He has already linked up with the squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.
“It means a lot to me,” Mosquera told Arsenal’s official website. “There’s been a lot of hard work behind this. I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by, this is a historic, massive club.”
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the youngster as “an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides,” highlighting his versatility and potential to develop further in the Premier League.
Mosquera joins a busy list of arrivals at the Emirates this summer, including midfielder Martin Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and winger Noni Madueke. The club has also secured new contracts for Gabriel and academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly, with a long-term extension for 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri reportedly nearing completion.
Arsenal remain in pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, though a potential £65 million deal is not believed to be imminent.
The Gunners, who have finished as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons, will kick off their 2025/26 campaign with a blockbuster clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.
Written By Rodney Mbua
