Cristhian Mosquera has revealed that Mikel Arteta’s personal touch convinced him to join Arsenal this summer despite the fierce competition posed by defensive stalwarts William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The £13 million signing from Valencia has already made an impression in north London, proving to be one of the Gunners’ shrewdest recruits this summer.

Arsenal summer-signing Mosquera plays major part

Arsenal completed the signing of Mosquera from Valencia during the summer transfer window in a £13 million deal. The 21-year-old was brought in to add depth and competition to Arteta’s backline, which already boasts one of the Premier League’s most formidable centre-back pairings in Saliba and Gabriel. Despite the tough competition, the Spaniard has quickly integrated into the squad and featured in eight matches so far this season, including Premier League fixtures against Newcastle and Liverpool. His arrival has been seen as part of Arsenal’s long-term vision to maintain high standards across every position and ensure continuity at the back.

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In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, Mosquera opened up about his decision to leave La Liga for the Premier League and why he had no hesitation about joining Arsenal once Mikel Arteta made contact. “I feel great at the club and in the city. From the first moment Arteta spoke to me, I had no doubts about going to Arsenal,” he said.

“There’s an incredible group of players. Plus, there are a lot of Spanish speakers who have helped me adapt. When I signed, I knew I was going to face them [Gabriel and Saliba], two world-class stars, but that was the club’s idea: to have players competing for every position to go as far as possible.”

AFPArteta pleased with Mosquera as he deputises for Saliba

Mosquera’s signing has already proven to be a masterstroke for Arsenal, not only in terms of squad depth but also in value. At just £13 million, the Spaniard is considered one of the bargains of the summer, and his performances have backed that up. When Saliba picked up a minor injury against Liverpool, Arteta immediately turned to Mosquera – a decision that paid off, with the youngster putting in a composed display. Arteta later praised his impact, saying, “Thank God we had Mosquera.” His experience at a young age – having played more minutes than any other under-21 defender in Europe’s top leagues over the past two seasons – has allowed him to step in seamlessly. Moreover, Mosquera’s maturity, professionalism, and humility have stood out at London Colney, where he has quickly earned the respect of team-mates and coaches alike.

As per Sky Sports, those who worked with Mosquera at Valencia describe him as a level-headed, hard-working player with a relentless desire to improve – traits that have been evident since his arrival in England. Sources close to the club have said that he spends extra hours at training sessions studying positioning and tactical details alongside assistant coaches. His ability to absorb information quickly has impressed Arteta, who values tactical intelligence as much as physical ability in his defenders. The young Spaniard’s calmness on the ball, aerial strength, and composure under pressure have made him a natural fit for Arsenal’s build-from-the-back system. While he’s still learning the language and adapting to life in the Premier League, Mosquera’s attitude and professionalism suggest he’s destined for a long and successful spell in north London.

With Saliba and Gabriel fit, Mosquera fighting for minutes

Mosquera’s next challenge will be to continue pushing for regular minutes in a defence dominated by Saliba and Gabriel. With Arsenal competing across multiple fronts this season, including the Premier League and Champions League, his opportunities are expected to increase.

Arteta is keen to manage his defensive resources carefully, meaning the young Spaniard will play a key rotational role while learning from two of Europe’s best centre-backs. Long term, Arsenal see Mosquera as a potential successor to either Saliba or Gabriel, capable of leading the backline in years to come. For now, the 21-year-old remains focused on growth, consistency, and making the most of his opportunities — ensuring Arteta’s faith in him continues to be richly rewarded.