Cristhian Mosquera reveals Arsenal transfer stance as Andrea Berta grants Mikel Arteta wish

Arsenal have been given a major boost to their hopes of signing Cristhian Mosquera. The Valencia defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently - as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his back-line.

Mosquera, who has just entered the final 12 months of his contract at Mestalla Stadium, featured 37 times in La Liga, keeping eight clean sheets. Playing a key role in Carlos Corberán's side, he helped Los Ches enjoy a 10-game unbeaten streak, which included wins over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Thanks to Mosquera, Valencia distanced themselves from a relegation scrap and finished in 12th place. The Spain Under-21 international's impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed, with Arsenal said to be keen to secure his signature.

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According to Spanish outlet Las Provincias, Mosquera has decided he wants to join the Gunners. The report claims that the 21-year-old has recently rejected a new contract offer from Valencia, having already agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

So, all that remains is a fee to be agreed between those clubs involved. Las Provincias adds that Los Ches turned down an opening bid from the north Londoners worth €14m (£12m); they want at least €20m (£17.3m) for a player of Mosquera's potential.

Interestingly, Las Provincias reckons that the Spaniard initially wanted to stay with Valencia, but Arsenal swooped in before his boyhood club could table a contract extension. The Gunners have, reportedly, offered Mosquera a far more lucrative deal.

In an interview with Sky Sports back in May, Arteta promised a 'very exciting' transfer window. The Spaniard: "First of all, reviewing what we have done. Finding ways to increase the level of the team.

"Finding big margins where we can still develop our game model and our players, then putting those plans together, playing the pre-season. And then if we don't have enough from that, then it's about what do we need to recruit now to make the difference."

While Arsenal have only announced the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arteta has stayed true to his word, with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard expected to follow, as well as a couple of forwards.

football.london understands that the Real Sociedad playmaker and the Brentford captain are both poised to join the Gunners. The north Londoners are longer-term admirers of Zubimendi, who they've been keeping tabs on since the summer of 2023.

It's also understood that Arsenal have been interested in signing Norgaard for at least two years following his impressive performances at the G-Tech Community Stadium.