Colombia set sights on poaching Arsenal defender away from Spain

Cristhian Mosquera has started a new chapter in his career at Arsenal and he could soon make a move at international level too. The 21-year-old defender currently represents Spain, but in the coming months he could change his allegiance.

Mosquera, born in Alicante, has represented Spain at U15, U16, U18, U19, U21 and U23 levels, and he is targeting a call-up to the senior squad in the run-up to next summer’s World Cup. But if that doesn’t happen, there’s a chance he’ll never represent La Roja.

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According to Diario AS, the Colombian Football Federation is hoping to convince Mosquera to switch allegiances to his parents’ country and, to do so, has promised him a place in their squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Image via Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

In 2023, the Colombian Federation also tried to convince Mosquera to no longer represent Spain, but on this occasion he was convinced to remain in the Spanish fold. He is highly regarded by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), as evidenced by the fact that he is captain of the Spanish Under-21 team, but there is a greater chance of him switching allegiances on this occasion, given that a World Cup appearance is at stake.

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Mosquera is far in the hierarchy of La Roja

As things stand, Mosquera will almost certainly miss out on La Roja’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, with head coach Luis de la Fuente favoring Dean Huijsen, Robin Le Normand, Pau Cubarsi, Dani Vivian and Aymeric Laporte – and among them, Huijsen and Cubarsi are both younger than the Arsenal defender.

It remains to be seen whether the pressure brought on by the loss of Mosquera will cause the RFEF to accelerate the call-up of Spain’s senior squad in the coming months, but if not, Colombia could have a strong chance of getting their man back.