Arsenal announce signing of Spanish defensive prospect

Arsenal have announced the signing of young Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

The Gunners have signed the Spain youth international for a reported fee of €15million plus add-ons, totalling to under €20m. He has put pen to paper on a long-term deal, keeping him in north London until 2030, as per the Athletic.

Interest in Mosquera was first revealed in June, but after an agreement on personal terms was struck, talk of a deal went quiet. However, reports revealed Arsenal had secured a deal a matter of weeks ago and they have now officially unveiled him as the newest member of Mikel Arteta's squad.

Arsenal confirm signing of Cristhian Mosquera

Mosquera joins Arsenal from La Liga side Valencia, having first broke into their senior squad during the 2021/22 season before emerging as a key member of the side two years later.

It didn't take long for fans to get excited about the deal with many pleased to see another young player with valuable experience strengthening the depth of Arteta's side.

The Spaniard has played 90 games for Valencia and has made 36 appearances across his nation's youth teams from Under-15 to Under-23 level.

He is the Gunners' fifth signing of the summer, joining alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke. Mosquera never had any doubts about joining Arsenal, turning down a new contract offer from Valencia and interest from other clubs in order to secure a move to north London.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: "We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera. We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future. 

"Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad. We cannot wait to see him playing for us. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Cristhian and his family to Arsenal."

Manager Mikel Arteta added: "We're delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal. As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga. He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.

"He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season. Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us.

"From all of us, we welcome Cristhian and his family to the club.”

Mosquera is set to wear the number three shirt for the Gunners after it was vacated following Kieran Tierney's departure earlier this summer. He will now join up with his new teammates after recently flying out to Asia for his new side's pre-season tour.

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