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Five reasons Arsenal are surprisingly signing yet another defender despite calls for a forward signing.
Despite growing calls from Arsenal fans to address the club's lack of firepower up front, the Gunners are doubling down at the back. Their latest move? A potential swoop for Valencia’s 20-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera — a player fast becoming one of La Liga’s standout young defenders.
On paper, it’s a puzzling move. With Gabriel Jesus injured and Kai Havertz not being an out and out striker, Arsenal’s frontline feels a forward away from serious title contention.
So, why are they prioritizing another defender? As originally reported by The Athletic, Here’s a deep dive into what’s driving this decision — and why Mosquera fits the bill.
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11:34 - 27.06.2025
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Saliba-Gabriel Pairing Is Elite — But Fragile
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Mikel Arteta built last season’s title charge on the solidity of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. Together, they anchored one of the Premier League’s best defences. But the balance was easily disrupted.
Saliba’s injury at the business end of the 2022/23 season derailed Arsenal’s title challenge. In 2024/2025, Gabriel’s season ended prematurely through injury as well. With Takehiro Tomiyasu still sidelined, Arteta knows he needs dependable rotation options who won’t compromise the team’s defensive shape.
Mosquera played 90 minutes in 37 of Valencia’s 38 La Liga games last season — an ironman feat for a 20-year-old. His consistency and durability are exactly what Arteta needs to ensure defensive continuity through a long season.
Arsenal Lack Depth — Especially on the Right
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With Tomiyasu injured, Jurrien Timber recovering and Ben White often deployed at right-back, there is a clear void on the right side of central defence. Arsenal’s backups like Kiwior and Calafiori are more comfortable on the left, limiting Arteta's options.
Mosquera’s positional versatility allows him to play on either side of the centre-back pairing — and even as a right-back when needed. His adaptability would give Arteta tactical flexibility without compromising quality.
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A Signing for the Future
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Arsenal aren’t just buying for the short-term. The Gunners have already extended Gabriel’s contract and are keen to secure Saliba long-term. Signing Mosquera is about building for the future — grooming a successor or future starter to ensure sustainability.
Having missed out on promising defenders like Vitor Reis and Dean Huijsen, Arsenal are moving quickly to secure Mosquera, who has already shown he can handle top-flight pressure.
His Style Matches Arteta’s System
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Standing at 6ft 3in, Mosquera combines physical presence with intelligence. He ranks fifth in La Liga for true tackle win rate (72.6%) and is disciplined in his defending — rarely diving in or committing fouls.
Unlike many young defenders, he doesn’t rely on aggression. Instead, he reads the game well, sweeps up danger calmly, and distributes effectively with a 91.2% passing accuracy.
For a manager like Arteta — who values ball-playing defenders and positional discipline — Mosquera is a near-ideal fit.
Arsenal Are Preparing for a Grueling Season
With the Champions League, Premier League, and two domestic cups, Arsenal need strength in depth. Arteta has made clear that rotation will be key to competing across four fronts.
Mosquera gives Arsenal a reliable, low-risk option who can step in without disrupting the balance. His European experience with Spain’s U21s, where he completed 98 passes and notched an assist against Romania, shows he’s capable at the next level.
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Why Not a Striker?
This is the burning question.
Arsenal have goalscorers in Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard, but they’ve lacked a true No. 9 who can consistently finish chances. Gabriel Jesus brings fluidity but has not been clinical and is injury-prone. Kai Havertz, while useful, is not a natural striker.
Signing Mosquera won’t solve that problem — and fans will be eager to see if a big-name forward follows. Rumors continue to swirl around strikers in Europe, but nothing is concrete yet.
Still, Arsenal believe that winning titles starts with a solid defence, and Mosquera could be a foundation piece for the next generation.
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