Arsenal have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia in a deal worth around €15 million (£13 million).
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, with an option to extend for an additional year.
Capable of playing both centre-back and right-back, Mosquera arrives as a direct replacement for Takehiro Tomiyasu, who recently parted ways with the club by mutual agreement.
“This is a massive opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” Mosquera said on Arsenal’s official website. “It’s a historic club and being here with my family, you feel its greatness.
“My career has moved quickly and I’ve had to mature fast — this move is the next step to keep learning and growing.”
A product of Valencia’s academy since 2016, Mosquera made his senior debut in 2022 and became the youngest centre-back to feature for the club.
Last season, he played all 90 minutes in 37 of Valencia’s 38 La Liga matches, helping them to a 12th-place finish.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the Spanish Under-21 international as a player with “exciting talent and enormous potential.” Sporting director Andrea Berta added,
“We see Cristhian as one of the best young defenders in Europe and a key part of our long-term plans.”
Mosquera becomes Arsenal’s fifth signing of the summer, following Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke, with a deal for striker Viktor Gyokeres reportedly nearing completion.
The defender will join Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Asia, having already received travel clearance from Valencia. Arsenal beat AC Milan 1-0 in Singapore on Wednesday and face Newcastle United on Sunday before heading to Hong Kong for a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
