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<p>Looking for a Saliba backup?</p>
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<p>Arsenal appears set for one of the most active summer transfer windows in the club's history. New Sporting Director Andrea Berta is taking a different approach compared to his predecessor, Edú Gaspar. The Gunners have already unveiled the signings of midfielders Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, and Noni Madueke, along with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Additionally, they have secured new contracts for center-back Gabriel and academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, while a long-term deal for fellow Hale End product Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly on the horizon.</p>
<p>Moreover, Arsenal has reached an agreement for Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres. In addition, the club has confirmed another young signing—central defender Christhian Mosquera from Valencia and Spain U21. Currently participating in the team's pre-season tour in Singapore, the deal is believed to cost Arsenal an initial €15 million, with an additional €5 million in potential bonuses, as the 21-year-old was in the final year of his contract with the LaLiga club. Mosquera will primarily serve as William Saliba’s backup. But what can he bring to Mikel Arteta's defense? We delve into the details of the young defender with insights from Spain.</p>
<h2>What Kind of Defender is Christhian Mosquera?</h2>
<p>Jon Hernandez, a Spanish sports journalist covering LaLiga for outlets like <em>Dazn</em>, provides valuable insights into what Arsenal can expect from Mosquera: "Mosquera has a keen ability to anticipate plays before they develop. He demonstrates excellent tactical intelligence in intercepting passes and closing down spaces, and is very proficient with the ball." These qualities align closely with Saliba's role in the Arsenal back line, particularly at the right center-back position where Mosquera will primarily provide support. Last season, Saliba missed only three Premier League matches, no other outfield player featured more frequently for the Gunners across all competitions. The addition of 21-year-old Mosquera should help alleviate some of the pressure on the Frenchman.</p>
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<p>Hernandez also notes, "While Mosquera has gained experience in LaLiga with Valencia, he still needs more exposure to European competitions or high-pressure environments to fully prove himself at the top level." When comparing Mosquera's playing style, he noted, "His style resembles that of Raphaël Varane during his early days at Real Madrid—both are quick, composed center-backs with strong ball-playing abilities who can effectively cover defensively." With a current market value of €30 million, which is nearly double what Arsenal will initially pay for him, Mosquera has already made 82 appearances for Valencia, even before turning 21 at the end of June.</p>
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<p>Player Comparison</p>
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<p>Position: Centre-Back</p>
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<p>Contract until: June 30, 2026</p>
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<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Mosquera was also instrumental for Spain U21 in the recent U21 European Championship. Joining the Gunners, he represents both present potential and future promise. Hernandez confidently stated, "I believe he will thrive in the Premier League. In a system like Arsenal's, which emphasizes controlled build-up and defenders who excel in possession, he could integrate seamlessly. That said, adapting to the pace and physicality of the Premier League will be vital and may take some time." In the midst of a bustling transfer window, Mosquera's signing could prove to be a shrewd move for the club.</p>
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