As Arsenal gear up for another intense Premier League campaign, their plans to reinforce the squad have already met a few challenges.
One of them? Trying to bring in promising Spanish defender Christian Mosquera from Valencia.
Valencia Say No to Arsenal’s Opening Offer
Arsenal recently opened talks with Valencia to sign 20-year-old centre-back Christian Mosquera.
The plan was to add depth to a defensive duo that’s become one of the league’s best—William Saliba and Gabriel. But Valencia have other ideas.
The Spanish club turned down Arsenal’s first offer, reportedly because it didn’t meet Mosquera’s release clause.
The asking price? £17 million (€20 million).
According to reports, Arsenal’s bid fell short, and Valencia aren’t looking to negotiate lower.
Why Arsenal Want Mosquera
Mikel Arteta clearly sees value in Mosquera.
After Gabriel picked up a hamstring injury in April, the need for reliable cover became obvious.
Saliba, meanwhile, played every single Premier League match last season.
Giving him a breather now and then wouldn’t hurt.
Sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta view Mosquera as a smart addition—young, talented, and with experience at a competitive La Liga club.
But unless Arsenal meet the release clause, the deal is at a standstill.
Building Beyond Defence
This isn’t the only area Arsenal are focusing on this summer.
They’ve already agreed a £15 million deal to sign Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, aimed at shoring up midfield options following Jorginho’s departure to Flamengo and uncertainty around Thomas Partey.
But the real headline pursuit is a new striker.
Arsenal are keen on both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres—two names that keep popping up in transfer chatter.
The Striker Dilemma: Sesko or Gyokeres?
Arsenal reportedly prefer Sesko, but RB Leipzig aren’t making life easy.
They know Arsenal are eager and seem to be holding out for the best possible fee.
Gyokeres, on the other hand, thought he had a deal in place with Sporting Lisbon that would allow him to leave for around £60 million (€70m) this summer.
But things have taken a turn. Sporting now appear to want the full value of his release clause—€100 million (£84m).
To make matters messier, Sporting’s president has accused Gyokeres’ camp of trying to ‘blackmail’ the club.
The Swedish striker has apparently threatened to go on strike and promised he’ll speak his mind “at the right time.”
More Moves on the Horizon
It’s not just defenders and strikers on Arsenal’s radar.
They’re also exploring options on the wings.
Eberechi Eze and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo are two standout names being considered.
They had been watching Athletic Club’s Nico Williams closely too, but he’s made his intentions clear—if he leaves Bilbao, he wants to join Barcelona.
Kepa Heading to the Emirates
One deal that has gone through is Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal triggered his £5 million release clause, and he’ll be joining the squad as David Raya’s back-up goalkeeper.
With Neto returning to Bournemouth after his loan, Arsenal needed a reliable second option—and Kepa fits the bill, especially after a solid loan spell last season.