Mosquera: Arsenal's New Defensive Dynamo Eyes Spain's World Cup Dream

Arsenal's New Defender Finds His Feet

Spanish defender Cristian Mosquera says leaving Valencia for Arsenal last summer was the right move for his professional journey.

Now 21, Mosquera has played 25 matches for the Gunners since the move for £13 million, and he earned his Spain debut in a 3-0 win over Serbia on Friday.

In statements to Euroropa News, Mosquera said: "I spent nearly half my life, or all of it, at Valencia, and leaving a place that felt like home isn’t easy, but it was the right decision. I’m very happy in London and I’ve settled faster than I expected. We all know the Premier League demands a lot physically, and I knew my style would suit the league; I think I’ve performed well when it mattered to prove myself."

He added that he learns from the best by training alongside Brazil’s Gabriel Magalhães and Frenchman William Saliba, saying: "From day one, they’ve been by my side, offering advice and always looking after me, like my parents or older brothers. I’m grateful; they’re among the best defenders in the world, and it’s a pleasure to watch them play each weekend."

Despite losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City earlier this month, Arsenal sit nine points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand. The club next faces Southampton in the FA Cup quarterfinal on April 4, then meets Sporting CP in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Mosquera spoke about the club’s ambitions: "In recent years Arsenal haven’t always hit what we planned, but I think we’re ready this year. We know we can win trophies and we’ll push to make the fans happy. In the Champions League, we’re doing well this year—we’re in the quarterfinals now—and we hope to go further and win the trophy."

He also aims to feature in Spain’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, saying: "What I’m going through is crazy, so I must make the most of it. God only knows if I’ll have the chance to join that squad, but every player representing his country dreams of going to the World Cup."

Read also: Arsenal and United compete with Atletico Madrid for a Barcelona star

Punchline time: If defending were a sniper competition, Mosquera would be the guy who never misses—except when the clipboard says otherwise. And if calm under pressure were a weapon, he’d probably file a restraining order against the whistle blowing during a tense late game.