Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia as their preferred defensive signing this summer, as the centre-back enters the final year of his deal.
Football insider Hand of Arsenal broke the news on Thursday that Arsenal are targeting Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera as their ideal defensive choice this summer, having already made contact in an attempt to fight off the competition.
The same source added that Andrea Berta has backup options lined up, but Mosquera is the priority.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Arsenal are in active talks, with negotiations ongoing both with Valencia and with the player himself.
David Ornstein and James McNicholas then reported for The Athletic that Arsenal are working on a deal, again confirming that Mosquera is Arsenal’s preferred option to strengthen at centre-back.
Ornstein added that Arsenal have made a defensive signing a priority this summer, with McNicholas highlighting that the Gunners have already missed out on Vitor Reis (to Manchester City) and Dean Huijsen (to Real Madrid) this year. Two players Arsenal would have liked to sign themselves.
Though Mosquera is entering the final 12 months of his contract, a deal won’t necessarily be easy due to the interest from other clubs.
Jose Manuel Aleman reported for Cadena SER in May that Mosquera’s agent was set to meet with Valencia executives to inform them of interest from several teams, including Arsenal. The same outlet suggested the player was available for around €20m (£17.1m).
Reports suggested Andrea Berta had previously pursued Mosquera whilst he was working for Atletico Madrid, and he planned to revive that pursuit with Arsenal.
At the time, Mosquera was said to want a team with an ambitious Premier League project, Champions League football, and the chance to grow his career as an individual.
Mosquera made 41 appearances for Valencia this season, as well as playing nine times for the Spain u21s. He had the best ground duel win rate in La Liga in 2024/25 (of players who contested 100 or more).