€20m set! Arsenal confident as star defender only wants Emirates
Arsenal remain in pole position to sign highly-rated Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera this summer, despite a late contract offer from the Spanish club.
The Gunners have already agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old centre-back, who has made clear his desire to join Mikel Arteta’s project at the Emirates, according to multiple reports including Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto.
Valencia, keen not to lose a regular starter on the cheap, have set a minimum €20 million asking price after rejecting Arsenal’s initial €14 million bid.
The La Liga side also made a renewed contract offer to Mosquera this week, featuring a significant wage increase and a potential pathway for a future move, but sources close to the player suggest the timing was too late.
Mosquera, whose current deal runs until 2026, is understood to have no intention of extending his stay at Mestalla. Despite interest from Inter Milan, AC Milan and RB Leipzig, his preference remains a move to North London.
Valencia-based outlet Cadena SER insist the club’s proposal was one of their most ambitious in recent history, offering Mosquera over €3 million per season and a central role under Ruben Baraja.
But even that has not been enough to sway the Spain U21 international, who has impressed over two seasons of top-flight football.
Arsenal see Mosquera as a long-term option in defence, with Arteta seeking additional depth behind Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.
Though the youngster may not walk straight into the starting XI, his composure, recovery pace and maturity have made him an appealing target for a side competing on multiple fronts.
Valencia’s sporting leadership have been criticised for the delay in making a serious retention push. The club now face a situation in which they must negotiate a sale while protecting their financial interests, having been aware for weeks of Arsenal’s intent and the player’s stance.
Sources suggest Arsenal are preparing a second bid closer to the €20 million valuation, confident that the player’s preference will prove decisive.
With personal terms already settled and the competition trailing, Arsenal are now working to close a deal that could bring one of La Liga’s most promising defenders to the Premier League.
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