Arsenal transfer news: Cristhian Mosquera signs from Valencia

Arsenal say they have secured “one of the strongest young defenders in European football” after completing the signing of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia for an initial fee in the region of 15m euros (£13m).

The 21-year-old has joined the Gunners on a five-year contract, which has an option for a further 12 months.

Mosquera can play at both centre-back and right-back and will fill the gap in the squad left by the departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu, who mutually agreed to terminate his contract earlier this month.

“I couldn’t let it pass me by. I’m joining a historic, massive club. When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of the place,” Mosquera told the club’s website.

“My career has moved faster than I expected and I’ve had to mature fast. Coming here is a chance to keep learning and improving.”

The Spain Under-21 international joined Valencia in 2016 as a 12-year-old before making his first-team debut in 2022 when he became the youngest centre-back to play for the club.

Mosquera made 90 appearances for Valencia and was a regular for them last season, playing the full match in 37 of the club’s 38 La Liga games as they finished 12th.

Manager Mikel Arteta described Mosquera as a player with “exciting talent and enormous potential” while sporting director Andrea Berta hailed the defender’s long-term prospects.

“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,” Berta said.