Arsenal are looking to sign another defender this summer, with Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera emerging as the North London club’s primary target in recet days.
The Gunners have been linked with several centre-backs throughout the transfer window thus far, including the likes of Marc Guehi, Jorrel Hato and Alexsandro Ribeiro.
However, Andrea Berta has gone in a different direction, as reports emerged on Thursday revealing that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Mosquera ahead of a deal with Valencia for the Spaniard.
Mosquera is keen on a move to the Emirates and is prepared to compete for a place in Mikel Arteta’s team with the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Valencia reject Arsenal’s bid for Christhian Mosquera
Mosquera has a release clause in his contract with Valencia, although the exact value of this clause isn’t clear.
Some sources indicate that potential suitors can land his services for €20 million (£17 million), while others claim the release clause is set at €25 million (£21 million).
Regardless, it appears Arsenal have attempted to secure the 21-year-old for less than these fees, with Cadenaser reporting that Valencia have rejected the Gunners’ opening bid worth less than €19 million (£16 million).
HandofArsenal suggests that the North Londoners will return with an improved offer, with personal terms already agreed.
If the reporting on the prospective release clauses is accurate, then Arsenal shouldn’t have to raise their offer by much to seal the deal.
That said, it’s likely that the release clause is closer to the top end of the reported values, around the €25 million (£21 million), otherwise the Gunners’ offer of £16 million would make little sense, given how close it is to the other mooted £17 million clause.
Valencia send message to Arsenal about Cristhian Mosquera
Cadenaser’s report also indicated that Valencia want to keep their talismanic defender, and have tried to open contract talks with the player but haven’t been successful thus far.
Judging by their subtle social media hints, it’s clear that Los Ches aren’t particularly pleased with Arsenal’s movements and aren’t keen on the idea of sanctioning the departure of Mosquera.
The player turned 21 on Friday, and the official Valencia X account posted a typical happy birthday message for him.
However, the message has a very pointed tone, reading: “Happy 21st birthday to our player Cristhian Mosquera! Enjoy your special day, Cristhian!”
The emphasis on ‘our player’ is certainly an unconventional way of phrasing a birthday message, and is certainly a hint towards Arsenal to back off.
Ultimately, however, Valencia’s potential stubbornness will be irrelevant if the release clause is in place and Arsenal meet it.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
