Arsenal made two defensive signings in the summer transfer window, the first being Cristhian Mosquera.
Many were surprised to learn that Arsenal had approached Valencia to sign Mosquera, who, at only 21 years old, had been turning heads in La Liga.
The Spaniard made 37 appearances in the Spanish top flight over the 2024/25 campaign for his boyhood club, being a valued player at the Mestalla.
Valencia did what they could to keep Mosquera, but the 2004-born star’s mind was made up, paving his way to the Emirates.
Cristhian Mosquera shares the feedback he’s had since joining Arsenal
In a transfer window that saw Andrea Berta deliver the likes of Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, Mosquera was never going to be the most talked-about signing.
That being said, the narrative is already changing, as the centre-back was called into action just four minutes into Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
Though the Gunners lost the game, Mosquera was impressive against Liverpool, coming up against one of the best attacking formations in the world.
There’s no doubt that the young Spaniard’s performance on Merseyside would’ve impressed Mikel Arteta, and that’s exactly right.
Mosquera is one of many Arsenal players on international duty, and while with Spain’s U21 side, the defender spoke to Cadena SER.
“When I made the change, I knew I was joining one of the best teams in the world, with the best players, that I would have to compete, and it wouldn’t be easy,” Mosquera said of his transfer to Arsenal.
The 21-year-old then revealed the feedback he’s gotten so far from Arteta.
“Arteta is very happy with me,” he said.
“He’s very close and is helping me a lot with the coaching staff. You arrive somewhere new and you have to adapt quickly to a new playing system.”
After seeing what Mosquera did against Liverpool, there’s no surprise that Arteta is happy, with it already clear that the youngster is adapting well to life in England.
Arsenal got a bargain with Mosquera
Berta struck a phenomenal deal to land Mosquera, paying just £13m for the budding talent’s services.
Arsenal’s sporting director knew that Valencia were in a difficult position, as the player was entering the final year of his contract, which was music to Arsenal’s ears.
| Cristhian Mosquera vs Liverpool |
| 9 defensive actions |
| 4/5 duels won |
| 92% pass success |
| 2/4 long balls completed |
| 62 touches |
After the defeat at Anfield, the deal looks all the more impressive, as the Spaniard has shown that he’s more than capable of playing amongst the best.
It will be fascinating to see what the rest of the season has in store for Mosquera, who gives Arteta a quality option at centre-back and right-back.
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