Cristhian Mosquera has opened up on the emotional strain of leaving Valencia ahead of his transfer to Arsenal.
The Spanish club appear to have failed in their attempts to convince the defender to sign a new contract and remain with them.
After seeing at least one offer rejected, Arsenal are now understood to have made a significant breakthrough in negotiations with Valencia and are on the verge of making another significant addition to their squad.
Mosquera is booked in for a medical that is due to take place at the Gunners’ London Colney training base on Tuesday ahead of his €20million move.
Speaking from his car as he left Valencia for the final time, he said: ‘Valencia is my home and it always will be.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
‘I arrived when I was 12, and now I’m leaving as a grown man, a little sad because you’ve been here your whole life, but decisions in football are like that. Now a new era begins.’
When asked about his departure, Mosquera added: ‘I prefer the club to talk first , and then whatever happens, it will happen. It’s exciting, but it’s also sad.’
Despite the emotional wrench of leaving his boyhood club, the 21-year-old was steadfast in his determination to join Arsenal.
Aside from the efforts made by Valencia to keep the Spain Under-23 international, Mosquera also received interest from clubs in Italy as well as Bournemouth who are looking to replace Dean Huijsen.
Mosquera’s desire to be part of Mikel Arteta’s project is admirable given the competition he is likely to face for a place in Arsenal’s first team.
Who will Cristhian Mosquera replace at Arsenal?
Gabriel Magalhaes, who has just signed a new long-term contract, and William Saliba form arguably the most impressive central defensive partnership in Europe,while Riccardo Calafiori is expected to figure more prominently this term.
Arsenal are likely, however, to listen to offers for Jakub Kiwior who impressed at the end of last season in place of the injured Gabriel.
The Poland international joined Arsenal two-and-a-half years ago from Spezia and has regularly been linked with a return to Italy.
Arsenal have already terminated the contract of Takehiro Tomiyasu and arelikely to deem Oleksandr Zinchenko surplus to requirements.
