Cristhian Mosquera was wary of Saliba and Gabriel challenge but Arsenal figure convinced him

Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera admitted that he was more than aware of the challenge that he would face coming to Arsenal. The Gunners have found what they believe to be one of the bargains of the summer following the 21-year-old’s £15million move from Valencia.

Mosquera has already featured in both the right and left centre-half roles and flourished under Mikel Arteta. It was indeed the Spanish coach who proved a difference-maker in discussions.

football.london understands Valencia made major attempts to try and convince the defender to stay while there was also interest from other clubs. However, Mosquera again made it clear in an interview with AS that North London was the only place he was heading.

“I feel great at the club and in the city,” he said. “From the first moment Arteta spoke to me, I had no doubts about going to Arsenal.

“There’s an incredible group of players. Plus, there are a lot of Spanish speakers who have helped me adapt.”

Playing for Arsenal in the centre of defence means either covering for or displacing William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. For many, the pair are the world’s best when it comes to central defensive partnerships.

However, a minor injury to Saliba at Liverpool opened the door for Mosquera. However, he was already aware of the gauntlet he would face but that did not turn him away from the challenge.

“When I signed, I knew I was going to face them, two world-class stars, but that was the club’s idea: to have players competing for every position to go as far as possible,” he explained.

That was indeed the aim, and with Piero Hincapie set to return after the international break, that too is set to go even further. The Gunners have conceded just one goal from open play this season, and Mosquera’s influence has been pivotal in such a record – the future looks very bright.

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