´A new era begins´ – Arsenal target Mosquera confirms Valencia exit

Cristhian Mosquera has seemingly confirmed his departure from Valencia ahead of his mooted transfer to the Premier League with Arsenal.

On Monday, reports emerged that Arsenal had agreed a deal for the Spanish defender, who is set to join the Gunners on a five-year deal.

The reported fee to bring the 21-year-old to north London is £13m plus add-ons, with Mosquera set to become Mikel Arteta’s fourth summer signing.

Mosquera completed more passes (1,822) than any other player for Valencia in LaLiga last season, while he also ranked third in the team for aerial duels won (32).

Only Jose Gaya (40) and Cesar Tarrega (37) won more tackles than Mosquera (36) in the top flight for Carlos Corberan’s side, who finished 12th.

Mosquera joined Valencia’s academy in 2016, making his first-team debut in a 1-0 away win over CD Atletico Baleares in the Copa del Rey.

He would go on to make 90 appearances across all competitions, but in an interview with Marca, while declaring Valencia to be his home, Mosquera revealed he was on his way out.

“I arrived when I was 12, and now I’m leaving as a grown man,” he said, with the Spanish publication stating he said goodbye to his team-mates on Monday.

“I’m a little sad because I’ve been here my whole life, but decisions in football are like that. Now, a new era begins.”

Mosquera did not specify which club he was joining but added: “It’s exciting, but it’s also sad.”

Arsenal have already completed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi, and are close to further bolstering their squad.

They are reportedly close to bringing in Arsenal’s Noni Madueke and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, which would likely take their summer spending beyond the £200m mark.