Fenerbahce have made an ambitious move to sign Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera before the summer transfer window closes.
Mosquera joined the Gunners from Valencia for £13million plus add-ons, signing a five-year contract in north London last summer. The Spain Under-21 international enjoyed an impressive first season in the Premier League, stepping into replace William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes when injury struck. He also had a run at right-back at the end of the campaign, starting in that role in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Fenerbahce's loan move
Arsenal have added to their defensive options this summer with Ezri Konsa arriving from Aston Villa for £50million. Reports in Turkey now suggest Fenerbahce will test Arsenal's resolve with a loan offer for Mosquera.
Fanatik report head coach Ismail Kartal has personally requested the Gunners star as he seeks to strengthen his defence with the club beginning negotiations to sign the 22-year-old on loan. The final decision on Mosquera is set to be left down to Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal's defensive situation
Arsenal battled injury problems at the back last season, a trend that continued over the summer which could mean any attempts to sign Mosquera will be turned away.
The former Valencia star started 20 matches in all competitions last season, proving to be a dependable member of the Premier League title-winning squad. He started at centre-half in his side's opening game of the season against Coventry last Friday, helping them keep a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory.
Arteta does have ample cover across his backline with Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie and Konsa all capable of playing in two positions with Myles Lewis-Skelly also in the mix.
Injury concerns
Saliba and Magalhaes remain the firm first-choice pairing at the back but the former is expected to be out for the opening months of the campaign as he recovers from a back injury. Timber is also still sidelined, still to return to first-team training after a groin problem he initially picked up back in March.
