Arsenal expert Charles Watts has provided CaughtOffside with some exclusive insight into the transfer deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
The journalist, speaking to CaughtOffside as part of his latest weekly column, says everything has been fully agreed for Mosquera to move to the Emirates Stadium.
There’s been a lot of speculation about Arsenal moving for the versatile Valencia youngster, who can operate well at both centre-back and right-back.
Watts’ information is that everything is in place for Mosquera to join the Gunners, with Andrea Berta once again earning big praise for how he negotiated the deal.
Cristhian Mosquera to Arsenal transfer has been fully agreed
“While there are still some details to be ironed out over the Gyokeres deal, that is not the case when it comes to Arsenal’s pursuit of Cristhian Mosquera,” Watts said.
“That is a move that has now been fully agreed between Arsenal and Valencia, with Mosquera already in London to undergo his medical and complete the formalities before signing.
“If all goes to plan, then Mosquera will be announced as an Arsenal player later in the week and he will be on the plane that leaves for the pre-season tour to Asia on Saturday.”
Cristhian Mosquera looks like an exciting signing for Arsenal
Watts also explained why he’s excited about what Mosquera can bring to Arsenal, in what looks like a potential bargain deal for the 21-year-old.
“I’m really excited about this deal I have to say. First of all, it looks like a very good one money wise. Again, it looks to have been masterfully negotiated by Andrea Berta,” Watts said.
“Arsenal are paying less than Mosquera’s release clause, with the initial fee for the 21-year-old set to come in under £15m.
“That’s a very good price for a highly-rated young defender who was being looked at by several other good sides across Europe.
“But it’s not just the price that excites me about Mosquera, it’s the potential.
“He’s a right-footed centre-back, but is very comfortable with either foot, so there is versatility there which is an attribute Mikel Arteta looks for in all his players.
“He’s big, athletic and good on the ball. He’s durable as well, as his availability record shows over the past two seasons.
“He has started 70 of 72 league games for Valencia since coming into the team in August, 2023. During that time he has clocked up 6,394 minutes in La Liga, which is the highest by anyone aged 21 or under in Europe’s top-five leagues.”
Hope he is worth it, but for me the defensive star of that tournament was Charlie Cresswell, he is available for virtually nothing, yet no one is clamouring for his services either.
Worryingly, no one is clamouring for Mosquera to join them other than Arsenal, still who else is after any of the players we have signed or about to sign?
Relax bro, it’s because Arsenal has been highly Proactive unlike before. Zubimendi said yes to Arsenal since June 2024 after almost a done-deal scenario with Liverpool, Bayern went for him this summer, Madrid were aware of his commitment to Arsenal. Giokorez wanted only Epl, it would have been Man U for him but no UCLas Arsenal remain his only option. Arizabalaga has become a top goal keeper. It’s even a suprise that he decided to be a deputy. Arteta was so fast about him as soon as he became available. Mosquera is a top top defender at his age as Gabriel was never better than him at his age.
The only questionable signing to me is Noni, but again, he won’t walk into the first X1. I see him as good enough to back Saka up.
Arsenal only need to bring Eze and see if we can get a deal for Roudrigo. If this happens, we will dominate epl I am too sure about that
cresswell will turn 23 soon, apart from that, his contract runs until 2028,his market value is 10million euros, which Toulouse will ask for more than 20mil since he just joined last year, while mosquera just turned 21 last month, his market value is 28million euros, so, getting him below his market value(€15m+2m),that is because his contract expires at the end of next season
cresswell will turn 23 soon, apart from that, his contract runs until 2028,his market value is 10million euros, which Toulouse will ask for more than 20mil since he just joined last year, while mosquera just turned 21 last month, his market value is 28million euros, so, getting him below his market value(€15m+2m),that is because his contract expires at the end of next season