Cristhian Mosquera, has talked about how Arsenal have been the club he supported growing up. The center-back was signed by Arsenal during the summer transfer window. “Arsenal were my team growing up. They had an aura”, the 21-year-old Spanish youngster said confidently in an interview with The Guardian. Cristhian further talked about how the players, the team and even the shirt back then attracted him. Arsenal managed to sign Cristhian Mosquera up for a reasonable transfer fee of โฌ15 million, despite strong interest from other clubs.
The Arteta Influence on Cristhian Mosquera
Cristhian Mosquera is one of the brightest defensive talents in the world. He was an important part of Valencia’s defense in their league games. After having a great season with Valencia, Mosquera attracted interest from various Spanish clubs. One of the clubs were footballing giants Real Madrid. The youngster also received interest from Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool. Despite the options, Mosquera was clear in his decision to join Arsenal, and the manager Mikel Arteta played a huge role in the decision.
Cristhian was already looking to choose Arsenal because of his love for the club growing up, but a phone call with Arteta really sealed the deal. The manager impressed Mosquera and immediately had a footballing effect on him. โYou see that when he talks. He loves the detail, sees things other eyes might not. Iโm so happy with him. Heโs an incredible person and heโs helping me a lot. The staff have made it easy. Arsenal is an incredible club.โ Mosquera stated.
Mosquera’s time at Valencia
At just 21 years old, Cristhian Mosquera has made a name for himself as one of the most consistent defenders in the world. He doesn’t simply limit his consistency to his game; he manages to stay unbelievably consistent even in game time. Since being picked into Valencia’s first team at the age of 19 in August 2023, he has managed to start 70 league games out of a possible 72. That is a really high number of games played for a 21-year-old youngster.
It is even more impressive when one realizes that center-back is the most physically demanding position to play in. Other than being consistent in game time, Mosquera also remained one of the most important players in the Valencia side. In a rare occurrence of Mosquera missing out because of lack of fitness, Valencia lost against Barcelona 7-1, which showed his importance in the team.
Beginnings at Arsenal
Mosquera has had to wait for his fair share of game time at the North-London club. He has played in 7 Premier League games and has started only 2 games. He has also started in one Champions League game. The Spanish youngster will have to wait for his opportunities, being part of the best defensive team in the world. The Arsenal backline’s competition is very strong. Considering the fact that they’ve conceded just 5 goals in 11 league games. However, we can expect Mosquera to receive his opportunity to shine finally. Mikel Arteta will look to use his Spanish weapon very soon, because of star player Gabriel’s injury.
Conclusion
The Arsenal fans are surely in celebrations, getting to know their sensational summer signing is a boyhood Gunner. Christhian Mosquera’s statements about his love for the club and manager Mikel Arteta, is bound to create a special place in Arsenal fans’ hearts. After a very good start to the season so far, Mosquera will look to make the most of the opportunities he is to receive. Exciting times ahead for the Gunners, as Christhian Mosquera looks like he is here to stay for a very long time.
