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By ZAC CAMPBELL Published: 00: 44 AEST, 29 June 2025 | Updated: 01: 27 AEST, 29 June 2025 3 View comments Arsenal's bid for Valencia defender Christian Mosquera has been rejected by the La Liga side as they have set their asking price for the Spanish youngster. The Gunners have entered talks for Mosquera, 20, as they look to find suitable cover for first-choice options William Saliba and Gabriel. While Mikel Arteta's go-to pair have become one of the Premier League's strongest defensive partnerships in recent seasons, Arsenal appear intent on strengthening their back-line depth. Such a move by Arsenal may have been prompted by the hamstring injury Gabriel suffered in April, along with a recognition that adding another high-calibre centre-back would give them the chance to occasionally rotate Saliba. The Frenchman, 24, started 35 Premier League matches last season having played every league game in 2023-24. Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have identified Mosquera as a player they would like to sign this summer but have so far fallen short of Valencia's valuation of the player. Valencia defender Christian Mosquera played in Spain's Euro U21 defeat to England Mikel Arteta appears intent on adding high-quality cover for William Saliba and Gabriel The Spanish side are asking the north London side to pay his £17million (€20 million) release clause and have turned down an initial offer that fell short of that valuation according to Goal. Arsenal have been busy in their search for new recruits as they look to land a first Premier League title since 2004 off the back of three successive second-placed finishes under Arteta. With veteran midfielder Jorginho having left the club on a free transfer for Flamengo and the future of Thomas Partey uncertain, they have agreed a deal to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford for £15million. Their biggest target this summer remains a striker - with both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres of interest. While Sesko is believed to be Arsenal's preferred option, sources have indicated to Mail Sport that RB Leipzig are driving a hard bargain over Sesko because they know how desperate the Gunners are for a striker. Meanwhile, Gyokeres is said to have believed that he reached a gentleman's agreement with Sporting last summer that would see the Portuguese league champions accept a fee around €70million (£60m), including add-ons, at the end of the 2024-25 season. However, Sporting are now appearing to hold out for a significantly increased fee - with Gyokeres having a €100million (£84million) release clause in his current contract. Despite Gyokeres' apparent agitation for a move, Sporting president Frederico Varandas accused the Swede's team of attempting to 'blackmail' Sporting, while he reportedly threatened to go on strike after vowing to 'speak at the right time'. The Gunners are also looking at both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres Gyokeres has reportedly called Sporting's president to demand a summer transfer Arsenal have also been linked with a winger to bolster their options in attack, with Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo reportedly among their preferred targets. While they were also looking at Athletic Club's Nico Williams, he has already made clear that he intends to join Barcelona should he leave Bilbao. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will move to Emirates Stadium this summer after his £5million release clause was triggered by the Blues' London rivals. He will act as back-up to David Raya after previous number two Neto's loan spell ended and saw him return to Bournemouth - where Kepa impressed on loan himself last season.
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