Who is Cristhian Mosquera, Arsenal's new recruit for €15 million?

Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Spanish defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia in a deal worth an initial €15 million (£13 million). The 21-year-old has committed to a five-year contract with Arsenal, becoming a key part of the Gunners’ defensive reinforcement this summer.

Mosquera, who can play both as a centre-back and right-back, joins Arsenal to bolster their backline following the recent departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Who is Cristhian Mosquera?

A product of Valencia’s youth academy, since the age of 12, Mosquera made his first-team debut in January 2022 and quickly developed into a dependable figure at the back, making 90 appearances across competitions for the La Liga club.

During the 2024-25 campaign, he was a near-ever-present feature, starting 37 of Valencia’s 38 league matches. Not only that, he played every minute of those 37 league games.

Mosquera has dual nationality of Spain and Colombia, and has made 34 appearances at the youth level for Spain between under-15 and under-21 levels. Moreover, he was also part of the Spanish team which won the Gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Spanish football journalist Jon Hernandez describes Mosquera as “a defender who anticipates game situations well, with excellent tactical awareness to intercept passes and control space, combined with deft ball skills.” Hernandez even draws comparisons between Mosquera’s playing style and that of former Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane in his early days, stressing his blend of speed, composure, and defensive cover capabilities.

Mosquera’s signing is expected to provide crucial depth behind Arsenal’s first-choice centre-back, William Saliba, soothing the burden on the 22-year-old, who played almost every Premier League match last season.

Mosquera, who will be wearing the No.3 jersey, is already with the team on their pre-season tour in Singapore and is set to integrate into Mikel Arteta’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season.

"We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera. We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future," Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta said.

Manager Mikel Arteta added, "We're delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal. As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga. He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.

“He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season. Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us.

“From all of us, we welcome Cristhian and his family to the club.”