Arsenal confirm new signing – ‘When the coach shows that belief in you’

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has signed a ‘long-term contract’. It has previously been reported that his contract will run for five or six years.

Mosquera was out of contract at Valencia next season, and with Los Che delaying too long to present a fresh deal to the Spain under-21 international, Arsenal decided to make a move for him. Previously AC Milan and Atletico Madrid had shown interest in him, but Arsenal have got the deal over the line for Mosquera, paying Valencia €15m plus up to €4-5m in variables.

The end of Mosquera’s Valencia spell

More or less confirming the move last week, Mosquera told fans that ‘Valencia is my home and always will be’, and noted that he was sad to be leaving Mestalla, but excited to join Arsenal. In total, Mosquera made 91 appearances for Valencia, after becoming a regular starter under Ruben Baraja three seasons ago. Mosquera also won a gold medal with Spain last summer at the Paris Olympics.

Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta on Mosquera

Mosquera earmarked the faith of Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta. The Basque manager told club media that “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.”

Berta had come close to signing Mosquera last summer while he was in charge at Atletico Madrid.

“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.”