Accra: Valencia's Spain Under-21 defender Cristhian Mosquera is on the verge of signing for Arsenal after joining up with the squad on the club's Asian tour in Singapore. Mosquera has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract, with an option to extend his stay for a further year, with Arsenal paying Valencia an initial fee of 13 million pounds (17.6 million US dollars).

According to Namibia Press Agency, 21-year-old Mosquera has been one of the few bright spots as Valencia has struggled to avoid relegation from La Liga in the past two seasons. The youngster missed just two games in the 2023-24 campaign and just one last season, with his power in the air and pace being vital factors in keeping the club in the elite.

He will be Arsenal's fifth signing of the summer as the club aims to go one better than last season's second place in the Premier League. Previous signings include goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and forward Noni Madueke from Chelsea, midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford, and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal is also believed to be close to finalizing a deal for Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, with talks reportedly at an "extremely advanced stage." Meanwhile, Zubimendi gave an interview on the club website explaining that Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was one reason he had decided to join the north-London outfit. "I don't know what he saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe," Zubimendi said.

"When I wanted to leave (Real Sociedad) I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one." "It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting," said the Spain international.