Arsenal have signed Valencia defender Cristian Mosquera, becoming their fifth signing of the summer, taking the club's spending close to £140million.
Spain international Mosquera will join the club for an initial fee of £13m (with possible performance bonuses) and has reportedly signed a five-year deal with the option of a further year.
The 21-year-old will be expected to provide support to William Saliba and Gabriel in the centre of the Gunners' defence but is also capable of playing in any defensive position.
Mosquera, who made 41 appearances for Valencia last season, joined Arsenal for their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.
“It means a lot to me,” Mosquera commented on the club's website. “There's a lot of work behind it.”
“This is an opportunity I couldn't miss. I am joining a historic and great club. When you come here with your family, you feel the greatness of this place.”
New sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in strengthening Arsenal's squad as manager Mikel Arteta seeks the club's first Premier League title in more than two decades.
“Christian is already showing consistency and quality, with considerable experience in La Liga. He is an intelligent player with good pace, capable of playing in the centre or on both flanks,” Arteta said.
“He is a young player with impressive talent and great potential who will fit perfectly into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season. Christian will be a great addition to our team and we look forward to working with him and creating a comfortable environment for him.”
Mosquera signed for the Emirates after Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi (£60m), goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£5m), Christian Norgaard (£10m) and Noni Madueke (£48.5m).
Gabriel and Miles Lewis-Skelly also signed new deals in the off-season, while a long-term extension for teenager Ethan Nwaneri is believed to be close to being finalised.
Arsenal remain hopeful of signing striker Victor Dioceres from Sporting Lisbon, although a deal worth up to £65million is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
