Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera closes in on Arsenal switch

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera has arrived in London ahead of his expected move to Arsenal.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is set to provide cover for William Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of the Gunners’ defence as manager Mikel Arteta continues to bolster his squad.

It is understood Arsenal are hopeful a deal for Mosquera, who played 41 times for Valencia last season, will be completed before they depart for their tour of Singapore and Hong Kong on Saturday evening.

Chelsea forward Noni Madueke’s £52million transfer is also in the closing stages.

Mosquera – who is expected to sign for an initial fee of £13m with performance-related add-ons – and Madueke would become the club’s fourth and fifth summer signings.

Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard, Spain international Martin Zubimendi, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga have already been confirmed.

Arsenal also remain hopeful of signing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, although it is not believed that a deal – which could be worth as much as £65m – is imminent.

New sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in improving Arsenal’s squad as Arteta eyes a first Premier League title in more than two decades.

Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also put pen to paper on new contracts in the off-season, with a long-term extension for teenager Ethan Nwaneri believed to be in the pipeline as well.