Arsenal have signed defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia for a reported fee of £13 million.

The 21-year-old is Mikel Arteta’s fifth signing of the summer, enhancing the Gunners’ defensive lineup ahead of the upcoming season.

He joins fellow countrymen Martín Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga in north London, along with Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard.

“We are thrilled to have Cristhian join Arsenal,” Arteta stated. “As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already showcased consistent performance with considerable experience in La Liga.

“He is a smart player with good speed, capable of playing centrally and on both flanks.”

Arteta continued: “He is a young talent with exciting skills and immense potential, who will integrate well into our team as we prepare for the upcoming season.

“Cristhian brings quality to our squad, and we eagerly anticipate working with him and helping him settle in.”

Mosquera, a product of Valencia’s academy, made his senior debut in 2021 and became a regular in the first team by the 2023/24 season.

Primarily positioned as a centre-back, he is also adept at playing on the right side of a back four. He has received praise for his composure on the ball and his positional awareness.

With his contract at Valencia set to expire next summer and discussions about an extension reportedly stalling, Arsenal acted quickly to secure the highly-rated defender at a bargain price.

Los Murciélagos are believed to have made efforts to retain Mosquera, but the appeal of the Premier League and the opportunity to work under Arteta proved to be decisive.

Mosquera is expected to join his new teammates once they return from their pre-season tour in Asia.