Arsenal were outpaced in the title race last season and are determined not to let that happen again. The Premier League runners-up are making strong moves in the transfer market and appear set to strengthen their squad with Cristhian Mosquera.
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Mosquera is expected to become the direct replacement for Takehiro Tomiyasu, who surprisingly had his contract with Arsenal terminated by mutual agreement earlier this summer.
Tomiyasu’s departure came as a shock to many fans, given his versatility and defensive reliability, but sources close to the club suggest that recurring injury concerns and a desire for a new challenge led to the decision. With Tomiyasu out, Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal recruitment team quickly identified the need to bolster their defensive options, particularly with the club set to compete on multiple fronts next season, including a return to the Champions League.
Enter Cristhian Mosquera, the 21-year-old Valencia defender who has been making waves in La Liga with his composure, tactical intelligence, and versatility. Mosquera is primarily a centre-back but is also adept at playing on the right side of the defense, characteristics that fit perfectly into Arteta's system which demands ball-playing defenders capable of operating in various roles. The Spanish-born youngster, who has also featured prominently for Spain’s youth national teams, has been on the radar of several top European clubs, but Arsenal moved decisively to secure his services.
According to the BBC, Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Mosquera, who still has a year left on his contract at Valencia. Negotiations between the clubs are said to be at an advanced stage, and there is optimism that a deal can be finalized in the coming days. The transfer would not only provide Arsenal with a promising and adaptable defensive option but also underline the club’s strategy of investing in youth with high potential, ensuring long-term stability and competitiveness.
If Mosquera completes his move to North London, he will join a growing list of Spanish talents making their mark in the Premier League. He would follow the path of players like Martin Zubimendi, who recently joined Real Sociedad's academy graduate moving to the Premier League, Christian Nørgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, all of whom transitioned successfully from La Liga or Spanish football academies to the English top flight.
Yet Arsenal’s ambition in the transfer market does not stop with Mosquera. The Gunners are pushing forward with an aggressive recruitment drive to strengthen their squad across multiple positions. Noni Madueke, the highly-rated winger from Chelsea, is on the brink of completing a sensational move to the Emirates. Madueke, who impressed in flashes at Stamford Bridge, is expected to bring added dynamism, creativity, and directness to Arsenal’s attacking options. His dribbling prowess and ability to beat defenders one-on-one make him a valuable asset, especially as Arsenal seek greater squad depth to sustain a title challenge.
Madueke’s presentation is reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, with final formalities being completed. His arrival is seen as a statement of intent from Arsenal, who are prepared to invest heavily to ensure they can match the strength in depth of their title rivals, notably Manchester City and Liverpool.
Alongside Madueke, Arsenal are also on the verge of securing Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Portugal. The Swedish striker enjoyed a phenomenal season in Portugal, establishing himself as one of the most clinical and physically dominant forwards in Europe. His combination of pace, power, and finishing ability caught the attention of several clubs, but Arsenal have been persistent in their pursuit, viewing Gyökeres as the perfect complement to their current attacking options. He is expected to cost upwards of fifty million euros, a fee that reflects his meteoric rise and proven goal-scoring record.
Gyökeres’ potential arrival is particularly significant for Arsenal, who have at times been criticized for lacking a consistent, traditional number nine to lead the line. While players like Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have contributed effectively, Arteta is keen to add more variety and physical presence up front, qualities that Gyökeres naturally brings.
With Mosquera, Madueke, and Gyökeres all on the verge of signing, Arsenal are sending a clear message to the rest of the Premier League: they are not content with merely competing they want to win. Last season's near-miss in the title race has galvanized the club’s leadership, who are backing Arteta with the necessary resources to bridge the final gap to silverware.
The Gunners' transfer strategy combines short-term impact with long-term planning, ensuring that while the team is strengthened for the immediate challenges, there is also a pipeline of talent for the future. This approach reflects the club's broader vision under the stewardship of sporting director Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta, both of whom are intent on restoring Arsenal to the summit of English and European football.
Updated: 05:04, 14 Jul 2025
