Arsenal look set to announce the signing of Cristhian Mosquera after his first interview with the Gunners was leaked on social media. Earlier this month, the defender emerged as a target for the Gunners with Mikel Arteta seeking extra depth at the back. An initial bid of around £12million was turned down by Valencia but it did not take long for an agreement to be struck.
Mosquera will join Arsenal in exchange for a transfer fee of around £13m with another £3.5m in potential add-ons. Valencia had been holding out for around £25m but reportedly decided to accept a lower amount, given that Mosquera only had a year remaining on his contract. He flew into England to complete the formalities of his switch earlier this week.
It seems the move is done and dusted with images from Mosquera’s welcome interview being leaked on Friday evening. They briefly appeared on Getty Images but have since been removed from the platform. Some fans posted screenshots on social media.
Mosquera will be expected to provide solid cover for the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence. He was viewed as an exciting prospect by Valencia, who ultimately decided to cash in rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.
The player was spotted at Valencia Airport on Tuesday morning, just hours after confirming that he was set to leave the club.
Leaning out of his car window outside Valencia’s training ground, Mosquera said: “Valencia is my home and it always will be. I arrived when I was 12 and now I am leaving as a grown man.
“[I am] a little sad because [I have] been here [my] whole life, but decisions in football are like that. Now a new era begins.”
Asked if he could confirm that he was joining Arsenal, the defender replied: “I prefer the club to talk first and then whatever happens, it will happen. It’s exciting but it’s also sad.”
Valencia were hoping to extend Mosquera’s contract but negotiations ended up stalling, which allowed Arsenal to take advantage. He was opposed to including a hefty release clause, fearing it might have hindered his chances of securing a move in the future.
Mosquera looks set to become Arsenal‘s fifth signing of a busy summer recruitment drive. They kicked off their business by securing deals for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
Noni Madueke was officially confirmed as their fourth arrival on Friday, with the winger signing a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are still trying to finalise a blockbuster move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, with a full agreement seemingly a matter of time. Personal terms are not expected to be a problem with the forward set to earn around £200,000 per week.
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