Arsenal close to signing Cristhian Mosquera for £19m

Arsenal are reportedly on the cusp of signing Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera for around £19 million.

The Gunners were keen on landing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth earlier this summer, but he opted to join Real Madrid instead.

The club have since been linked with Ajax's Jorrel Hato, but HandofArsenal claims that Mosquera is on the verge of joining the club.

The 20-year-old is one of the best central defenders in La Liga, and he won more than 70 percent of his ground duels last campaign.

Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have been linked with his services, but Mosquera has given the green light to join the Gunners.

The Spaniard has already agreed personal terms with the north London giants, and talks are ongoing over the final fee with Valencia.

A deal worth £16 million is being negotiated between the clubs and Arsenal are determined to sign him as soon as possible to avoid a hijack.

Mosquera could join the club in time for the pre-season tour.