OFFICIAL: Cristhian Mosquera joins Arsenal from Valencia on a long-term contract

Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of young defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia CF. The 21-year-old will wear the number 3 shirt and is set to join the Gunners on their pre-season tour of Asia.

CLUB OFFICIAL STATEMENT

We’re delighted to announce that Spain under-21 international Cristhian Mosquera has joined us on a long-term contract.

The 21-year-old defender arrives from Valencia, where he made 90 appearances in all competitions.

Cristhian was with Valencia’s academy from the age of 12, progressing through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey as a 17-year-old in January 2022. His first La Liga appearance came just days later, starting at the Mestalla in a 1-1 draw against Sevilla.

Ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, Cristhian was officially promoted to the first-team squad, soon becoming an integral part of the club’s defence. Last season saw Cristhian start 37 of the 38 league matches in the campaign, playing every minute during his appearances.

Born in Spain and also eligible to play for Colombia, Cristhian has made 34 appearances at youth level for Spain between under-15 and under-21 levels. He was also a member of the gold medal-winning squad at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: "We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera. 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. We cannot wait to see him playing for us. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Cristhian and his family to Arsenal."

Manager Mikel Arteta added: "We're delighted to welcome Cristhian to Arsenal. As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga. He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.

“He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season. Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us.

“From all of us, we welcome Cristhian and his family to the club.”

Cristhian will wear the number 3 shirt and will join up with the squad on our men’s pre-season tour in Asia.

Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Cristhian to the club.