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Arsenal Intensifies Pursuit of Key Defender Amid Midfielder Exit

Arsenal advance in talks for key defensive target as midfield star leaves club image

Arsenal is making significant strides to recruit Valencia center-back Cristhian Mosquera as part of their plans to strengthen the defense ahead of the new season.

The 20-year-old has quickly become the team’s top target in recent weeks, as both Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are eager to enhance the team’s defensive options with quality and depth.

Mosquera is viewed as one of Spain’s most exciting young defenders, having been part of Valencia’s youth setup since he was 12. He debuted professionally in January 2022 and has already played 90 matches for the La Liga side, including 41 appearances last season.

Impressively, he managed to play the full 90 minutes in 37 of Valencia’s 38 league games during the 2023/24 season, highlighting his durability and consistent performance.

A member of Spain’s U21 team, Mosquera is a tall, right-footed center-back recognized for his calmness on the ball and his keen game awareness.

Berta, who sought to sign Mosquera during his time at Atletico Madrid, believes he would be a perfect fit for backing up and competing with the main defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Earlier in the window, Arsenal was interested in Juventus defender Dean Huijsen, but he opted to join Real Madrid after a brief loan at Bournemouth this summer.

Valencia is under pressure to make a sale, as Mosquera’s contract runs until 2026, and no renewal discussions have taken place yet.

Should the situation remain unchanged, the Spanish club risks losing him for nothing next summer, as his representatives have indicated a desire to finalize his future during this transfer period. Arsenal’s proposal is thought to be around €20 million (£17 million), including various performance-related add-ons.

Bournemouth is also showing interest, but Arsenal appears to be leading the chase for Mosquera.

Meanwhile, Lucien Agoume was considered as a potential substitute for the departing Thomas Partey, but Arteta is seeking a player better suited for the Premier League, which has led to Brentford’s Christian Norgaard becoming the favored choice.

The Brentford midfielder is expected to undergo a medical soon as he prepares for a transfer worth about £10 million (approximately $12.7 million), with personal terms anticipated to be straightforward. Partey is expected to depart the club upon the expiration of his contract on June 30.

The Gunners have already completed signings for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as part of an ambitious overhaul this summer.

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