Cristhian Mosquera has to do exactly what Gabriel Magalhaes did after signing for Arsenal, it’s so important

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Arsenal are close to unveiling the signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

Andrea Berta wanted to sign Mosquera when he was Atletico Madrid’s sporting director, and now, the opportunity has arisen for him at Arsenal. 

Though the Spanish club didn’t want to let the 21-year-old leave, the Spaniard is on his way to the Emirates.

Berta worked smartly to strike a deal for Mosquera, who turned down a contract offer from his boyhood club in order to make the move to North London. 

• READ MORE: Who is Cristhian Mosquera? Everything you need to know about Arsenal’s £17m transfer target

Cristhian Mosquera must improve his goal threat

At 21, there’s still a lot for Mosquera to learn, but the defender is certainly up to the task.

It’s understood that Mosquera is ready to battle William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes for a starting spot, but first, he’ll have to take a few pages from the duo’s book. 

In particular, Gabriel could teach the rising star something, as if there’s one thing Arsenal’s pending new signing lacks, it’s a threat in front of goal. 

Centre-backs aren’t exactly known for their goal threat, but at Arsenal, having the ability to provide danger in the box is paramount.

In his senior domestic career, Mosquera has scored just once for Valencia, a left-footed goal scored from inside the box.

When it comes to heading the ball, the Spaniard needs to put the work in, particularly as he prepares to join an Arsenal side who are so well drilled from dead-ball scenarios.

As per FotMob, Mosquera only fired four headed shots on goal in the 2024/25 La Liga season, a figure that Nicolas Jover will want to improve. 

Gabriel Magalhaes is the perfect teacher for Mosquera

If there’s one person Mosquera should be working closely with in training, it’s Gabriel.

Last season in the Premier League, the Brazilian headed 15 shots on goal, scoring three times, but he wasn’t always so efficient in the final third. 

Before arriving at Arsenal, Gabriel had only scored two goals at senior domestic level, a number that has since soared.

The 27-year-old has 19 goals to his name as an Arsenal player, which is truly remarkable for a defender, with his presence being a constant threat for Mikel Arteta.

Mosquera can follow in the path of Gabriel, arriving at N5 as a profile not known for scoring goals and turning into an undeniable force in the box.