Arsenal move for Cristhian Mosquera to fix centre-back depth

While Arsenal have made a quiet start to the summer transfer window, they are preparing to make a strategic move in defence rather than pursuing the high-profile striker signing many anticipated. Valencia’s 20-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera has emerged as a priority target on the club’s shortlist.

Arsenal seeking depth in central defence

According to The Athletic, Arsenal plan to use Mosquera as a direct backup to William Saliba and Gabriel. Last season's injuries and limited rotation options have highlighted the urgent need for defensive reinforcements. Mosquera’s profile — a mix of high-level experience and development potential — makes him a strong candidate to fill this gap.

Consistent presence at Valencia

During the 2024–25 season, Mosquera made 41 official appearances across all competitions for Valencia, standing out as one of the team’s most consistent performers. Despite his young age, he became an irreplaceable part of the back line and chipped in with a goal along the way. He has already played 90 senior matches for Valencia, attracting interest from several major European clubs with his steady development.

A modern centre-back: physique, composure, maturity

Standing at 191 cm, Cristhian Mosquera is a commanding presence at the back. He has displayed a maturity beyond his years, both in terms of positioning and decision-making. Over the last two seasons at Valencia, he has stood out for his reliability and calm demeanour on the pitch.

Strong in the air and often dominant in duels, he remained composed under pressure, contributing to build-up play with accurate passes. He took responsibility in deep build-up phases, switching play with precision and favouring simplicity over unnecessary risk.

He often anticipated opposing moves using his positional awareness and timed his interventions well. He did not rush into challenges, preferring to wait and act only when the defensive structure remained sound.

Few flaws, high potential

While his misplaced pass count remained low, he did experience occasional lapses in concentration. He also showed some difficulty in 1v1 situations that required sudden bursts of pace. Still, he maintained a disciplined defensive approach with a low tendency to commit fouls or pick up cards.

Despite playing in a high-pressure environment like Valencia, he often acted like a leader at the back. In his 41 appearances during the 2024–25 season, he showed both physical and mental maturity. His ability to operate in both defensive and transitional phases marks him as a centre-back with the potential to become elite.

If integrated into Arsenal’s setup, he appears well-suited to high defensive lines and possession-based systems. With proper coaching, he has the foundation to address his current limitations.

International background and eligibility

Born in Spain to Colombian parents, Mosquera is eligible to represent either country. So far, he has exclusively played for Spain, progressing through the national ranks from U15 to U21 level, reflecting steady development on the international stage.

Where does he fit in Arteta’s system?

Alongside William Saliba and Gabriel, Arsenal’s squad also includes Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber — all capable of playing at centre-back. However, several of these players missed large portions of last season due to injury.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are strengthening their back line in preparation for the demanding fixture list in the Premier League and European competitions, and Mosquera is viewed as a direct rotational option behind Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. This move is seen as a long-term solution that fits seamlessly into the club’s system and addresses its depth concerns at centre-back.

Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach demands more than just defensive skills from his centre-backs. They must also contribute to build-up play, passing patterns, and high-line positioning. Mosquera’s ball control, calmness and physical tools suggest he can adapt effectively to these demands.