Mikel Arteta has praised the work of Andrea Berta in masterminding a deal for Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal were already well stocked for central defensive options before a decision to peruse a move for the Spain Under-21 international was sanctioned by the Gunners’ sporting director.
Mosquera was desperate to join the north London club, despite seemingly having his route into the first team blocked by the formidable partnership established between William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
An injury to the the former Saint Etienne centre-half has, however, provided Mosquera, a bargain £13million signing, an early opportunity to impress.
The centre-half has seized his chance impressively and Arteta is delighted with his early contributions.
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He said: ‘I think he’s very good. Credt to the scouting department and Andrea that they presented an opportunity to have him.
‘He’s someone who has extreme focus, he’s very determined and very clear he wanted to come here. He wanted to come here to play, to earn his place and I think what he’s doing there so early is very impressive.’
Whether Mosquera retains his place this weekend remains to be seen but whoever starts at the start of Arsenal’s defence will be asked to tame the threat of Erling Haaland who has begun the season in typically prolific form.
‘There are a lot of things that you have to get right,’ said Arteta on the challenge of facing Europe’s deadliest striker.
‘He’s a player who doesn’t need much space, much time or situations to generate big chances, especially in and around the around the box.
‘Sometimes preventing the source is the best thing to do, and we have to do it again.’
