Arsenal ‘reach agreement with LaLiga star’ as Mikel Arteta closes in on another summer target

Arsenal have reached a full agreement on personal terms with Christhian Mosquera, according to reports.

The Gunners are eyeing the 21-year-old centre back as a suitable cover for first-choice options William Saliba and Gabriel. 

The move be prompted by the hamstring injury Gabriel suffered in April, along with a recognition that adding another high-calibre centre-back would give them the chance to occasionally rotate Saliba.

The Frenchman, 24, started 35 Premier League matches last season having played every league game in 2023-24. 

Arsenal are preparing a new proposal for Mosquera after Valencia rejected their opening £12million bid, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The north London club hope to finalize the deal for a fee exceeding £17m.

The Gunners’ may need to cough up £17m for the 21-year-old after their £12m bid was rejected

Mikel Arteta is seeking a high-quality centre back to cover for William Saliba and Gabriel

Mosquera came through Valencia’s academy, joining at the age of 12 before debuting for the first team in 2021.

Since then, he has made 104 appearances for the Black and Whites.

The 6ft 2in defender has also featured for the Spanish national team at the Under 15 level all the way through to the U23s, but is yet to earn a senior cap.

He was part of Spain’s gold medal-winning Olympic team last summer and has made 36 appearances for his country.

Arsenal have been busy in their search for new recruits as they look to land a first Premier League title since 2004 off the back of three successive second-placed finishes under Arteta. 

With veteran midfielder Jorginho having left the club on a free transfer for Flamengo and the future of Thomas Partey uncertain, they have agreed a deal to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford for £15million. 

Their biggest target this summer remains a striker – with both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres of interest. 

While Sesko is believed to be Arsenal’s preferred option, sources have indicated to MailSport that RB Leipzig are driving a hard bargain over him because they know how desperate the Gunners are for a striker.