Arsenal are “preparing an offer” for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, according to reports in the Spanish media.

Radio Station Cadena SER claims that the Gunners are hoping to secure the 20-year-old’s signature for around €20m (£17m).

Mosquera’s agent is said to be looking to sit down with Valencia officials in “the coming days” to inform them that his client wants to make the switch to the Emirates this summer.

The Spanish Under 21 international will only have a year left on his contract at the end of the season and, while he does have a release clause, there is an expectation that he will be let go for a lower fee due to the limited time left on his deal with Valencia.

Mosquera is a Berta target

It is believed that the centre-half has come onto the Gunners’ radar over the past few weeks since the appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director.

Cadena SER say it is no coincidence that Mosquera used to be a target for Atletico Madrid – Berta’s former employer. It’s clear that the Italian is spearheading the move for the player.

Arsenal could have competition for the defender

There are other teams interested in Mosquera. Villarreal, Atletico and other European clubs have been keeping tabs on him in recent months.

However, Arsenal’s project is said to be the most attractive to the player. The Spaniard is reportedly keen to “begin negotiations” over the move soon, although he is also hoping to agree an amicable departure from Valencia.

Mosequera is thought to have made it clear to the Gunners and other suitors that they must negotiate directly with his club rather than simply pay the buyout clause in his contract. We shall see how talks over the move unfold.

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