Arsenal are close to reaching an agreement with Valencia over a deal for central defender Cristhian Mosquera.
The Gunners have already completed three signings this summer, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard all sealing moves to N5.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke is set to sign from Chelsea for £52 million, and Viktor Gyokeres is on the verge of a £63 million switch from Sporting.
Andrea Berta is now closing in on a deal for Mosquera, with the North Londoners expected to pay less than the £17 million asking price for the Spaniard.
Arsenal view Cristhian Mosquera as centre-back cover
Reports suggesting Arsenal had agreed personal terms with Mosquera emerged back in June, with the Gunners keen to add another defender to Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
However, Valencia rejected Arsenal’s opening bid for the 21-year-old, and noise around the deal has since gone quiet.
That was until Monday morning, with David Ornstein reporting via The Athletic that Berta is now working on completing a deal for Mosquera.
Despite Valencia’s staunch initial stance on the transfer fee, Arsenal are now expected to spend less than £17 million on the Spain under-21 international, with a combination of his desire to leave and having just one year left on his contract forcing the La Liga side to settle for less than they’d hoped for.
While still very young, Mosquera featured in 37 of Valencia’s 38 league matches last season, suggesting that he’s not simply a prospect and will expect to play regularly at the Emirates.
The Athletic indicate that Arteta views the player as ideal cover for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, and that the Spanish manager may be more willing to rotate the two starters in and out of the side next season after being scarred by last campaign’s injury issues.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has also left Arsenal, meaning Mosquera should receive somewhat regular game time.
Cristhian Mosquera’s role at Arsenal surely means Jakub Kiwior will leave
Jakub Kiwior was the primary back-up for Saliba and Gabriel last season.
However, the Pole hardly played until the latter of the two sustained a serious hamstring injury, and the arrival of Mosquera is likely to further threaten his minutes.
If Mosquera is seen as the next man up after the starting duo, then Kiwior is only likely to garner minutes in cup competitions or during an injury crisis.
The former Spezia man’s stock rose with his performances at the end of last season, while he’s said to have interest from Italy, and he’s therefore unlikely to be willing to remain at Arsenal to play a peripheral role.
Thus, Kiwior will surely push for a move away, and Arsenal would be foolish not to cash in on a player who could attract a significant fee and who wouldn’t be content with his role.
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