Arsenal confirm signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

Arsenal have completed the signing of defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

The Gunners agreed a deal with the La Liga side worth an initial £13m plus add-ons for Mosquera.

Arsenal have been looking to add a young defender to their squad to compete with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of next season.

Mosquera is versatile and can play at both centre-back and right-back. He is expected to fill the gap in the squad left by the departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: “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.

“Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad. We cannot wait to see him playing for us. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Cristhian and his family to Arsenal.”

The Spain Under-21 international has racked up 90 appearances for Valencia and was a regular last season, featuring in 37 of the club’s 38 La Liga games.

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.”