Arsenal have reportedly completed their fifth summer transfer with the signing of Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, after images from his welcome interview were accidentally uploaded to Getty Images.
The 20-year-old defender is set to join the Gunners in a deal worth up to £16.5 million, providing backup for first-choice duo William Saliba and Gabriel. Valencia had initially sought £25 million, but with Mosquera entering the final year of his contract, a compromise was reached.
Mosquera arrived in England this week to finalise the move, and photos from his welcome interview briefly appeared on Getty Images before being removed. Screenshots were quickly shared on social media, confirming the transfer.
Speaking as he left Valencia's training ground on Tuesday, Mosquera said: 'Valencia is my home and it always will be. I arrived when I was 12 and now I am leaving as a grown man. A little sad because I have been here my whole life, but decisions in football are like that. Now a new era begins.'
When asked about joining Arsenal, he added: 'I prefer the club to talk first and then whatever happens, it will happen. It's exciting but it's also sad.'
Valencia had hoped to keep Mosquera with a new contract, but talks stalled over a release clause, allowing Arsenal to swoop. The deal follows Arsenal's £52 million signing of Noni Madueke, confirmed on Friday.
