Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal news is making waves after the 21-year-old revealed his regret at how his summer switch from Valencia unfolded. The centre-back joined the Gunners in July in a deal worth £13m, leaving his boyhood club after refusing to extend his contract.
Speaking to Cadena SER, Mosquera admitted he would have preferred a smoother exit:
“It’s clear that when you leave what has been your home, you would like everything to be a little different — both the statement and the things that have come out. I’m never going to speak badly of Valencia because I’m a Valencianista, and it’s a club that has given me everything.”
Valencia fans voiced frustration at his decision, unhappy to lose a homegrown academy graduate on the cusp of his prime.
“Sometimes in Football You Have to Look Out for Yourself”
Mosquera stressed he remains grateful to Valencia and its supporters, but stood by his choice:
“I would have liked it to have been a little different, but sometimes in football you have to look out for yourself, and there will be parts that you understand and others that you don’t. I’m calm because every time I put on the Valencia shirt, I gave everything… I’m just another Valencia fan, but I ask them to understand.” — Cristhian Mosquera, via Cadena SER
The Spanish side decided to sell this summer rather than lose him for free in 2026, with Arsenal pouncing on the opportunity.
How Mosquera Has Started at Arsenal
Thrown into action at Anfield last week after William Saliba’s early injury, Mosquera impressed in difficult circumstances. His aerial presence and calmness on the ball gave encouragement to Arsenal supporters, though he acknowledged the Premier League is a very different test compared to La Liga.
“I’m feeling pretty good, but it’s true that the game is different from La Liga. There’s more back and forth, it’s more direct… when you go into games you have to prepare yourself for what’s coming, but it’s crazy,” Mosquera admitted.
Fighting for Minutes in Arsenal’s Backline
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has Gabriel, Saliba, and summer arrival Piero Hincapié at his disposal, meaning Mosquera will need to battle hard for game time. Still, the Spaniard insists he knew the challenge before arriving.
“I have good players there, but when I made the change I knew I was joining one of the best teams in the world, with the best players — that I would have to compete and it wouldn’t be easy. Arteta is very happy with me, he’s very close and is helping me a lot with the coaching staff. You arrive somewhere new and you have to adapt quickly to a new playing system.”
Mosquera’s Numbers
| Stat (2024/25) | Cristhian Mosquera |
|---|---|
| Valencia Appearances | 38 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Arsenal 2025/26 PL Appearances | 1 (sub v Liverpool) |
source: sofascore + club data – 5 September 2025
His solid debut cameo suggests he could quickly become a useful squad option for Arteta during a congested season.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Mosquera is a smart long-term signing but understands Valencia fans’ frustrations:
“Arsenal have picked up a 21-year-old centre-back with huge upside for just £13m. That’s a bargain in today’s market. But Valencia fans are right to feel hurt — losing an academy player under these circumstances is always painful.”
William adds:
“Mosquera has the profile Arteta loves — ball progression, composure and physicality. With Arsenal in multiple competitions, he will get chances. His adaptation speed will determine whether he’s simply depth this season or a serious contender to push Saliba and Gabriel.”
Key Insights
- Mosquera joined Arsenal from Valencia for £13m after refusing a new contract.
- Admitted he wished the transfer had played out differently.
- Valencia fans angry at losing a homegrown academy graduate.
- Impressed on Premier League debut at Anfield.
- Faces strong competition from Saliba, Gabriel and Hincapié.
What’s Next for Mosquera and Arsenal?
Arsenal’s defensive depth will be tested with Saliba recovering from injury. Mosquera may get further opportunities in league fixtures and the Champions League group stage.
For the player himself, the focus remains on adapting to the Premier League while proving to Valencia fans that his decision was about career growth rather than disloyalty.
Do you think Cristhian Mosquera can become Arsenal’s long-term partner for William Saliba — or is he destined to be just squad depth at the Emirates?
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