Arsenal’s 250 million pound summer spending spree grabbed the headlines, but sporting director Andrea Berta’s quiet insistence on signing Cristhian Mosquera may prove the club’s most significant piece of business.
The 21-year-old defender arrived from Valencia for just 13 million pounds, with Berta urging the board to act as the Spaniard entered the final year of his contract. Those inside the club now see the deal as a bargain with the potential to multiply in value.
Berta had tracked Mosquera during his time at Atletico Madrid and was convinced he was a must-buy. A source close to negotiations said the Italian “told the board his value would only increase,” and early performances suggest he was right.
Mosquera was thrust into action at Anfield when William Saliba was forced off after five minutes against Liverpool. The young Spaniard stood firm, winning three tackles and completing 26 of his 28 first-half passes against one of Europe’s most threatening attacks.
He followed that display with another composed performance against Nottingham Forest, helping Arsenal to a clean sheet in a 3-0 win.
Mikel Arteta was asked after the Forest victory whether Mosquera could push for a starting place and offered a clear endorsement. “You’ve just seen today and what he did at Anfield — he’s going to push them very, very hard,” the manager said. “This kid wants it a lot, and he’s so willing to learn.”
The statistics back up that optimism. Last season at Valencia, Mosquera won more than 70 per cent of his ground duels. His versatility, with the ability to play at right back, further adds to his value in a squad aiming to compete on multiple fronts.
Club insiders believe he has the quality to give Saliba and Gabriel much-needed rest in a congested season, avoiding the costly defensive shortages that undermined previous title challenges.
Off the pitch, Mosquera’s cheerful personality has made him popular in the dressing room, while his dancing initiation on the Asia tour reportedly won over teammates instantly.
Arsenal already boast one of the meanest backlines in England, but with Mosquera quickly adapting, Gabriel and Saliba now face genuine competition. Berta may have pulled off the steal of the summer.
