'Sad, but also exciting' - Cristhian Mosquera appears to confirm Arsenal transfer as defender says heartfelt farewell to Valencia

Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal 2025

Cristhian Mosquera has said goodbye to his Valencia team-mates ahead of his move to Arsenal, and also spoke about his sadness in leaving Los Che.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 21-year-old reported to Valencia's Paterna training ground along with his team-mates, but rather than participate in pre-season, he was there to say his goodbyes. Mosquera will be making the switch to north London for a fee that could exceed €20m (£17m/$23m).

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The centre-half spoke of his excitement, but also his sadness, ahead of the move. He refused to speak more about his departure, as while the move is likely to go ahead, the agreement is only verbal at this stage. Mosquera joined Valencia as a 12-year-old boy, making 90 appearances for the club's first team. A highly-rated prospect, Mosquera has represented Spain at all youth levels from U15 to U23s.

WHAT MOSQUERA SAID

As he was leaving the training ground, Mosquera told reporters, per Marca: "Valencia is my home and it always will be. I arrived when I was 12, and now I'm leaving as a grown man, a little sad because you've been here your whole life, but decisions in football are like that. Now a new era begins.

When asked about his departure, Mosquera added: "I prefer the club to talk first , and then whatever happens, it will happen. It's exciting, but it's also sad."

WHAT NEXT?

The Alicante-born centre back will have to be content with backing up the imperious partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba. That will not be easy, as Mosquera appeared in 37 out of Valencia's 38 games in La Liga in 2024/25. The youngster can learn plenty from those established stars however, and probably feels that at just 21-year-old, he will have time to grow into a prominent role with the Gunners.