Cristhian Mosquera Arrives in UK Ahead of £13m Arsenal Move as Valencia Exit Confirmed
Written By, Okafor Joseph July 15,2025
Cristhian Mosquera has officially begun his journey to join Arsenal, as the Valencia centre-back was filmed at a Spanish airport on Monday evening, preparing to fly to London and complete his £13 million transfer to the Premier League giants.
The 21-year-old defender is expected to undergo a medical and sign a long-term contract with Arsenal after the Gunners reached a breakthrough in negotiations with Valencia over the weekend. Despite a €20 million (£17.4m) release clause in Mosquera’s contract — which was set to expire next summer — Arsenal are set to pay significantly less, with the total fee, including add-ons, reportedly falling below that threshold.
Personal terms between Mosquera and Arsenal have already been finalised. The Spanish U21 international was spotted by Deportes COPE Valencia at the airport, where he spoke briefly about his emotional departure from the club he joined at age 12.
“I’m leaving proud. Let’s see how everything unfolds. It’s up to the club to speak,” Mosquera said.
“Valencia is my home and always will be. I arrived when I was 12, and now I’m leaving as a grown man. It’s a little sad because I’ve spent my whole life here, but football decisions are like that. Now, a new era begins.”
Earlier in the day, the defender had already bid farewell to teammates and staff at Valencia’s training ground, confirming his departure from the La Liga side after making 90 senior appearances and scoring once.
Mosquera played a key role in Valencia’s 2024/25 campaign, starting all but one La Liga match, missing just a single game due to suspension — a heavy 7-1 defeat to Barcelona in January.
Internationally, Mosquera’s profile has risen quickly. He helped Spain win Olympic gold last summer and started three games in the 2025 UEFA Under-21 Championship, where Spain were eliminated by eventual winners England in the quarterfinals.
Arsenal Transfer Plans in Full Swing
Mosquera’s imminent arrival is part of a busy summer transfer window for Arsenal, who are expected to unveil three new signings ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia.
Arsenal have already sealed deals for Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, with all three settling in before the club’s tour opener against AC Milan in Singapore on July 23.
Meanwhile, two more big moves are nearing completion:
- Noni Madueke, the Chelsea winger, is expected to be announced first, having already passed his medical.
- Viktor Gyokeres has also agreed personal terms, with a fee finalized between Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon.
With Mosquera’s signing nearly done, the Gunners are poised to announce their fourth, fifth, and sixth summer signings in quick succession — reinforcing Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.
