Arsenal target Cristhian Mosquera confirms Valencia departure

The 21-year-old defender, who has been on the Gunners' radar for several months, spoke to Marca on Monday, stating he was leaving "home" to begin a "new era." While Mosquera did not specify his next destination, multiple reports in Spain and England suggest Arsenal are close to finalizing a deal after agreeing personal terms last month.

"Valencia is my home and always will be," Mosquera said. "I arrived when I was 12, and now I'm leaving as a grown man. I'm a little sad because I've been here my whole life, but decisions in football are like that. Now, a new era begins."

Despite Valencia offering the Spain youth international a new contract, it's understood the LaLiga side have resigned themselves to his departure. Mosquera said goodbye to his teammates at the club's training ground on Monday, according to Marca.

Mosquera has made 73 LaLiga appearances over the past two seasons and is seen as a strong option to provide depth behind Arsenal's starting centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel.

The North London club have been active in the market this transfer window, having already secured Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Martín Zubimendi, while talks continue for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Should the deal go through, Mosquera would add further defensive quality to Mikel Arteta's growing squad as the Gunners prepare for another campaign competing on multiple fronts.