Incoming Arsenal centre-back was once a winger and loved different sport

Arsenal are close to finalising a deal worth around £18m for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, talkSPORT understands. The Spain Under-21 international has rejected interest from other Premier League clubs by agreeing personal terms with the Gunners. Mosquera is Arsenal-bound after catching their eye this summerGetty Among the other English sides to have been keen on Mosquera were Bournemouth, who are in search of a new centre-back following Dean Huijsen’s departure to Real Madrid. talkSPORT previously reported that the Spaniard was keen on a move to the Emirates, and his wish now looks close to being granted. Arsenal were dealt various injury issues in defence during their 2024/25 campaign. As a result, they are said to have made signing a new defender a priority this summer, with Mosquera set to bolster their squad depth in this position. A role as defensive cover is not an issue for the youngster, who is willing to join even though he’s aware Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba will play when fit. Mosquera’s arrival will follow Arsenal’s deals for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and, most recently, Christian Norgaard. Mosquera has made 90 appearances for Valencia since making his first-team debut for the LaLiga outfit in January 2022. Despite playing in defence throughout his career, the 20-year-old is said to have featured in a different position as a youngster. According to Spanish outlet Superdeporte, Mosquera first played as a winger. But even before learning the ropes in football, he used to take to the basketball court. Mosquera used to play basketball before turning pro in footballGetty Arsenal are keen to bring in a new defender ahead of next seasonGetty Mosquera, who stands at 1.88m tall, is said to have been the right height to compete in the sport he enjoyed watching on television. His introduction to football came in futsal at San Blas Canavate, and a move to SCD Carolinas followed before signing for Hercules CF. Aged 12, Mosquera joined the Valencia academy in 2016 and made his first club appearance for their reserve side five years later. Now a regular senior player, the Spanish U21 star started in all but one of their 38 LaLiga matches in the 2024/25 campaign. His imminent move to Arsenal would likely see him sit behind Gabriel and Saliba in the centre-back pecking order. The Brazilian and French duo have been the go-to pairing for Arteta in recent seasons. Saliba made 51 appearances for Arsenal last season, while Gabriel featured 42 timesGetty Jakub Kiwior was a regular deputy option whilst Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori had various spells out injured. Arsenal held talks with Dean Huijsen, but he chose to sign for Real Madrid in a £50million move from Bournemouth instead. Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest summer transfer betting odds 18+ gambleaware.org

Musventurenal

0 2

Incoming Arsenal centre-back was once a winger and loved different sport

Arsenal are close to finalising a deal worth around £18m for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, talkSPORT understands.

The Spain Under-21 international has rejected interest from other Premier League clubs by agreeing personal terms with the Gunners.

Mosquera is Arsenal-bound after catching their eye this summer

Among the other English sides to have been keen on Mosquera were Bournemouth, who are in search of a new centre-back following Dean Huijsen’s departure to Real Madrid.

talkSPORT previously reported that the Spaniard was keen on a move to the Emirates, and his wish now looks close to being granted.

Arsenal were dealt various injury issues in defence during their 2024/25 campaign.

As a result, they are said to have made signing a new defender a priority this summer, with Mosquera set to bolster their squad depth in this position.

A role as defensive cover is not an issue for the youngster, who is willing to join even though he’s aware Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba will play when fit.

Mosquera’s arrival will follow Arsenal’s deals for Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and, most recently, Christian Norgaard.

Mosquera has made 90 appearances for Valencia since making his first-team debut for the LaLiga outfit in January 2022.

Despite playing in defence throughout his career, the 20-year-old is said to have featured in a different position as a youngster.

According to Spanish outlet Superdeporte, Mosquera first played as a winger.

But even before learning the ropes in football, he used to take to the basketball court.

Mosquera used to play basketball before turning pro in football

Arsenal are keen to bring in a new defender ahead of next season

Mosquera, who stands at 1.88m tall, is said to have been the right height to compete in the sport he enjoyed watching on television.

His introduction to football came in futsal at San Blas Canavate, and a move to SCD Carolinas followed before signing for Hercules CF.

Aged 12, Mosquera joined the Valencia academy in 2016 and made his first club appearance for their reserve side five years later.

Now a regular senior player, the Spanish U21 star started in all but one of their 38 LaLiga matches in the 2024/25 campaign.

His imminent move to Arsenal would likely see him sit behind Gabriel and Saliba in the centre-back pecking order.

The Brazilian and French duo have been the go-to pairing for Arteta in recent seasons.

Saliba made 51 appearances for Arsenal last season, while Gabriel featured 42 times

Jakub Kiwior was a regular deputy option whilst Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori had various spells out injured.

Arsenal held talks with Dean Huijsen, but he chose to sign for Real Madrid in a £50million move from Bournemouth instead.

Visit talkSPORT BET for all the latest summer transfer betting odds

^{18+ gambleaware.org}