Arsenal fans will love that Cristhian Mosquera is proved correct over William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes comments
Mikel Arteta wants to add another defender to bolster his Arsenal ranks this summer.
Arsenal were interested in Marc Guehi but the Crystal Palace man is understood to prefer a move to Premier League title rivals Liverpool.
Jorrel Hato is a long-term target for Arsenal, however, Andrea Berta appears to have made a move for his number one choice.
Arsenal are in talks for Cristhian Mosquera and the young defender has no problems competing with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Fans will be pleased to know his comments are spot on.
READ MORE: Andrea Berta can repeat Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard transfer trick by doing one thing in pursuit of ‘exquisite’ star
Cristhian Mosquera as good as Saliba and Gabriel last season
Mosquera is ready to compete with Saliba and Gabriel if he can complete a move to the Emirates Stadium and his statistics last season prove he has the ability.
The Gunners’ centre back partnership is widely regarded as one of the best in world football but Mosquera has shown that he is just as good, if not better in a number of key metrics.
| Key defensive metrics last season (per 90 mins) | Mosquera | Saliba | Gabriel |
| Appearances | 37 | 35 | 28 |
| Progressive carries | 0.95 | 0.47 | 0.38 |
| Pass completion | 90.5% | 94.3% | 90.2% |
| Tackle success rate | 77.5% | 75% | 75% |
| Aerial duels won | 44.6% | 62.9% | 58.9% |
Mosquera has shown his ability to stay fit throughout the campaign and leads the way in progressive carries from defence.
He also holds his own in pass completion and also shows his strength in the tackle with the highest success rate.
The only area for development for the 20-year-old would be in the air, Arteta will have plenty of time to improve that part of his game.
Cristhian Mosquera signing crucial to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal plans
Arteta is under pressure to deliver a trophy next season and cannot afford to let any chance of silverware slip through his grasp.
One problem Arsenal faced last season was strength in depth throughout their squad and the capture of Mosquera would allow the Spaniard to rotate the likes of Saliba and Gabriel more.
Jakub Kiwior’s future is uncertain at Arsenal but he and Mosquera could become the Gunners’ second-choice central defensive pairing – getting their chance to impress in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Inevitably, injuries will occur and Kiwior and Mosquera would provide outstanding back-up for the Gunners. Squad depth wins titles.