<div>
<p>Saliba's Backup?</p>
<div>
<p>
<img alt="Christhian Mosquera close to Arsenal move - What will he bring to the Emirates?" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/mosquera-spotlight-1752570737-172398.png" title="Christhian Mosquera close to Arsenal move - What will he bring to the Emirates?">
</img>
</p>
</div>
<p>Arsenal is poised for one of the most active summer transfer windows in the club's history. New Sporting Director Andrea Berta has taken a notably different approach compared to his predecessor, Edú Gaspar. The Gunners have confirmed the additions of midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, as well as goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. They’ve also secured new contracts for centre-back Gabriel and academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly, with a renewal for fellow Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri reportedly nearing completion.</p>
<br />
<p>Moreover, Arsenal is said to have finalized fees for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres. Amidst these moves, another young talent is set to join the Emirates, and his transfer is somewhat overshadowed by the club's busy activity. The Gunners have reportedly struck a deal for Valencia and Spain U21 central defender Christhian Mosquera, who is expected to arrive in London this Tuesday for a medical. The total cost of the transfer is projected to be an initial €15 million, with an additional €5 million in potential bonuses, as the 21-year-old approaches the final year of his contract with the LaLiga club. He is anticipated to serve as an understudy to William Saliba; the question is, what will he bring to Mikel Arteta's defensive unit? We gather insights from Spanish football experts to shed light on the promising defender.</p>
<br />
<h2>What Type of Defender is Christhian Mosquera?</h2>
<br />
<p>Jon Hernandez, a Spanish sports journalist covering LaLiga for outlets like <em>Dazn</em>, provides a deeper look into what Arsenal can expect from their new signing: "Mosquera possesses an impressive ability to anticipate play and exhibit great tactical awareness, allowing him to intercept passes and close off spaces effectively. He is also very assured with the ball at his feet." These qualities closely align his playing style with that of Saliba, making him a suitable option to cover the right centre-back position. Last season, Saliba played a pivotal role, only missing three Premier League fixtures, with no outfield player recording more appearances for the Gunners in all competitions. The acquisition of 20-year-old Mosquera could alleviate some pressure off the French defender.</p>
<br />
<p>
<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/mosquera-quote-1752571142-172400.png?lm=1752571158" width="503"></img>
</p>
<br />
<p>Hernandez acknowledges that while Mosquera has gained valuable experience in LaLiga with Valencia, he still requires more exposure to European competitions and high-pressure scenarios to fully prove himself. Notably, he draws a parallel between Mosquera and Raphaël Varane during his early days at Real Madrid: "Both are rapid, composed centre-backs with excellent ball-playing capabilities, able to cover defensively for their teammates." Mosquera, who already has a market value of €30 million—approximately double the initial fee Arsenal is set to pay—has made 82 appearances for Valencia despite just turning 21 at the end of June.</p>
<br />
<p>
<div>
<p>Player Comparison</p>
<br />
<div>
<p>Centre-Back</p>
<p>Position</p>
<p>Centre-Back</p>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<p>Contract until: Jun 30, 2026</p>
<p>-</p>
</div>
<br />
<p><span>Full Player Comparison</span></p>
</div>
</p>
<br />
<p>Mosquera was also instrumental for Spain U21 during the recent U21 European Championship. He arrives at the Gunners as a player laden with promise, ready to contribute both now and in the future. Hernandez believes, "I’m confident he will find success in the Premier League. In an environment like Arsenal, which emphasizes controlled build-up and requires defenders comfortable in possession, he is likely to thrive. However, adapting to the Premier League’s pace and intensity will be vital and could take some time." Amidst a chaotic and busy transfer period, acquiring Mosquera may turn out to be a shrewd move by the club.</p>
</div>