Arsenal Working to Complete Transfer for Defender Amid Aston Villa Interest

Arsenal are reportedly working to finalise a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, a player also targeted by Aston Villa.

The Gunners are looking to strengthen their defensive options this summer and could move quickly to secure the highly rated centre-back.

Mosquera, 20, has just one year remaining on his contract at Valencia, making him an attractive option at a potentially reduced fee. Aston Villa had previously identified the Spain youth international as a priority target, including him on a shortlist of centre-backs well before the end of the last campaign. However, Arsenal now appear to be in a strong position to move ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Having joined Valencia’s academy at the age of 12, Mosquera made his senior debut in January 2022 and has since developed into a reliable figure in defence. His performances last season under head coach Carlos Corberán played a key role in Valencia’s turnaround, as the team climbed from relegation worries to competing for European qualification in the second half of the campaign.

Corberán, formerly of West Bromwich Albion, also helped elevate the form of Enzo Barrenechea during his loan spell from Aston Villa—highlighting Mosquera’s growth within a positive developmental environment.

With Arsenal keen to add depth and youth to their backline, Mosquera’s availability and progress make him a strategic addition. Talks are reportedly ongoing, with the Gunners hoping to complete the deal before other clubs enter the race.