Arsenal Sign Cristhian Mosquera in £13M Deal from Valencia

Cristhian Mosquera

Arsenal Football Club has officially announced the signing of promising Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from La Liga side Valencia in a deal valued at an initial £13 million (€15 million), with potential add-ons linked to performance milestones. The 21-year-old centre-back has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League giants, which includes an option for an additional year.

The highly-rated Mosquera, who has joined the Gunners’ squad for their pre-season tour in Singapore, is seen as a strategic acquisition by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who continues to build a youthful and dynamic defensive unit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Having completed his medical in London earlier this week, Mosquera expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to play for one of England’s most storied football clubs.

“There’s been a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes to make this move happen,” said Mosquera. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a club of such historical significance. The moment I arrived in London with my family, I could feel how special this club is.”

Born in Alicante, Spain, and of Colombian descent, Mosquera emerged from Valencia’s academy and quickly rose through the ranks due to his composure, intelligence, and maturity on the ball. He made his senior debut for Valencia in 2022 and has since earned praise for his consistency, positional awareness, and leadership qualities at a young age.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared his excitement about the new addition, emphasizing the long-term vision for the club and Mosquera’s fit within the current squad:

“We’re delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal,” said Arteta. “At just 21, he already brings solid experience from La Liga. He’s a versatile defender — quick, composed, and intelligent — and can play both centrally and on either side of the backline.”

“Cristhian’s talent and potential are immense, and we believe he will grow into an important player for the club. His character, work ethic, and tactical understanding make him a great fit for our group. We're excited to help him settle and take the next step in his development.”

Mosquera becomes Arsenal’s second defensive signing of the summer transfer window, as the club looks to add depth and resilience to a squad that has narrowly missed out on the Premier League title over the past two seasons. With Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Ben White already forming a strong defensive backbone, Mosquera's arrival provides crucial competition and long-term investment.

The move has been widely welcomed by Arsenal fans, many of whom are optimistic about the Gunners’ intent to reinforce their squad with talented young players who align with the club’s future-focused strategy.

As the team continues its pre-season preparations in Asia, the signing of Mosquera sends a strong message: Arsenal is not just competing they’re building a side ready to challenge for major honours both domestically and in Europe.