Arsenal has agreed a deal to sign Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera on a five-year contract, with the club hoping to complete the transfer in time for the pre-season tour of Asia.

Arsenal has taken a significant step in their summer transfer campaign by agreeing to sign Cristhian Mosquera, a talented young defender from Valencia.

The deal is worth an initial £13m plus add-ons, and personal terms on a five-year contract have been agreed in principle. Mosquera is expected to fly into the UK in the next 24-48 hours for a medical and to finalize the move.

The 21-year-old defender has effectively confirmed his departure from Valencia, expressing a mix of sadness and gratitude for the opportunities he had at the club. Mosquera joined Valencia at the age of 12 and has since made 90 senior appearances, scoring one goal. He has also represented Spain’s U21 team, starting all of their games at the recent European Championship.

Mosquera’s versatility is expected to provide competition for Arsenal’s existing center-backs, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. He is a naturally right-sided center-back but has also played on the left, making him a valuable asset to the team.

With his signing, Mosquera is set to become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, following the additions of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard.

Arsenal is also close to agreeing deals for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres and winger Noni Madueke, which would take their summer spend past £200m. The club is expected to finalize these deals in the coming days, with Mosquera hoping to join the squad for the pre-season tour of Asia.