Arsenal hopeful of deal to sign Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera

Cristhian Mosquera (right) was part of the Spain team beaten by England at the European Under-21 Championship last weekend. Photograph: Tullio Puglia/UEFA/Getty Images

Arsenal are hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign Cristhian Mosquera after holding talks with Valencia over the Spain under-21 international.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his defensive options and has identified Mosquera – who came through Valencia’s academy and has played 90 games for the first team – as their main target to provide back-up to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.