Will Arsenal’s spending spree proceed?
Up to now this summer time, the Gunners have already signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, with the latter unveiled on Thursday.
Meantime, a £52m transfer for Noni Madueke seems to be shut, whereas the Gunners proceed the chase for each Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres.
It was clear that Mikel Arteta wanted so as to add loads of attacking firepower to his squad, however do they now have a brand new defender of their sights?
Arsenal’s pursuit of a brand new centre-back
Earlier within the window, as famous by Stuart James and Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Arsenal, amongst many different golf equipment, held a real curiosity in signing Dean Huijsen, earlier than the Spain worldwide selected to maneuver to Actual Madrid as an alternative.
Thus, regardless of having William Saliba and Gabriel, who Oliver Hopkins of Opta’s the Analyst notes is arguably the most effective duo within the Premier League, the Gunners recognise they require higher depth in that place.
Thus, as reported by Soccer London, Arsenal stay occupied with signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, including that the Spanish youth worldwide is ‘eager to signal’ for the Gunners, a lot in order that he has rejected a brand new contract with los Murciélagos.
Ed Aarons of the Guardian has beforehand reported that the “monster” defender would price round £16m, so might he swap Mestalla for North London?
How Cristhian Mosquera would enhance Arsenal
Mosquera has been with Valencia for the reason that age of 12, his senior debut coming towards Atlético Baleares within the Copa del Rey in January 2022, accumulating 90 appearances for los Che’s first workforce, scoring his first-ever senior purpose towards Leganés in February.
He was additionally a part of the Spain squad at this summer time’s under-21 European Championships, beginning three of their 4 matches in Slovakia, having additionally helped la Rojita win Olympic Gold in Paris 12 months in the past.
Analyst Spencer Mossman praises Mosquera’s ‘tenacious tackling’ and ‘spectacular’ enchancment in terms of his ‘ball enjoying’ means, whereas additionally left impressed by his versatility.
Meantime, Jonas Bartsch of Whole Soccer Evaluation provides that the teen has an ‘excellent footballing IQ’ and ‘distinctive situational consciousness’, so let’s assess his statistics from La Liga final season.
Cristhian Mosquera 2024/25 La Liga statistics | ||
---|---|---|
Statistics | Mosquera | La Liga rank |
Minutes | 3,319 | fifth |
Tackles | 56 | forty second |
% of dribblers tackled | 77.5% | third |
Blocks | 37 | thirty third |
Interceptions | 35 | twenty sixth |
Clearances | 128 | twenty sixth |
Ball recoveries | 190 | 2nd |
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com |
Because the desk outlines, Mosquera ranked usually very extremely for all defensive metrics in La Liga final season, particularly in terms of the share of dribblers tackled and ball recoveries, made all of the extra spectacular by the truth that Valencia spent the marketing campaign battling towards relegation.
Now although, let’s assess how he compares to Arsenal’s first-choice goal – and Mosquera’s compatriot – Huijsen.
Mosquera vs Huijsen 2024/25 comparability | ||
---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | Mosquera | Huijsen |
Passes tried | 54.2 | 59.5 |
Passing accuracy % | 91.2% | 84.2% |
Duels contested | 5.9 | 7.7 |
Floor duel success % | 70.5% | 51.5% |
Aerial duel success % | 45.2% | 60.7% |
Clearances | 3.4 | 7.3 |
Interceptions | 1 | 1.9 |
Touches | 66 | 76 |
All statistics courtesy of Squawka |
Because the desk outlines, Huijsen’s statistics are just about all extra spectacular than Mosquera’s, however that is to be anticipated contemplating the previous Bournemouth man is a full-Spain worldwide, and is the one of many two who has simply joined Actual Madrid.
However, Mosquera’s statistics are nonetheless spectacular, rating larger for passing and floor duels, making certain he’s an thrilling, high-potential Spanish defender in his personal proper.
Thus, it’s clear that the 21-year-old could be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad, becoming a member of Madueke and co in bolstering Arteta’s already proficient ranks.
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