Arsenal’s summer transfer window just took another unexpected twist after a major leak revealed their fifth signing, before the official announcement.
Images of Cristhian Mosquera, the 19-year-old defensive prodigy from Valencia, were mistakenly uploaded online on Friday night, effectively confirming his move to the Emirates.
Following Friday’s official confirmation of £52 million winger Noni Madueke, the Gunners wasted no time in sealing their next deal.
Cristhian Mosquera, a commanding centre-back tipped for the top, is already in London and has completed his medical. Though Arsenal had hoped to keep the news under wraps, the secret was short-lived.
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The reveal? A behind-the-scenes interview with the player was briefly posted on Getty Images, only to be swiftly removed, but not before eagle-eyed fans grabbed screenshots and splashed them across social media. The leak has since gone viral, prompting reactions from fans and pundits alike.
Arsenal are believed to have agreed a £16.5 million deal with Valencia, significantly lower than the Spanish club’s initial £25 million demand.
With Mosquera having just a year left on his contract, and unwilling to commit to a new deal due to concerns over a potential release clause, Valencia had little choice but to cash in.
The young defender, seen as ideal backup for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, spoke briefly to Spanish media before leaving the Valencia training ground:
“Valencia is my home and it always will be. I arrived when I was 12 and now I am leaving as a grown man… It’s exciting but it’s also sad,” he said emotionally from his car window.
Despite Valencia’s attempts to renew his contract, the deal collapsed, opening the door for Arsenal to pounce.
Cristhian Mosquera is now expected to be unveiled officially by Arsenal in the coming days, but fans already have their first look, thanks to an accidental moment of digital history.
