Arsenal scouts were spellbound by two teenage defenders after launching an exploratory mission to Spain last week, according to reports on the continent.
Gunners representatives travelled to La Nucia, in the Alicante region, to watch Valencia youngsters Cristhian Mosquera and Jesus Vazquez in action for Spain Under-19 against Austria. The two defenders are enjoying breakthrough seasons at club level and were rewarded with starts in the European Championship qualifier last Wednesday.
The game ended all square after the hosts let a two-goal lead slip in the second half but centre-back Mosquera and left-back Vazquez impressed, even if the latter picked up a late yellow card. The youthful duo are making waves in La Liga and as many as 18 European clubs sent scouts to watch them in action at Camilo Cano stadium.
That is according to Valencia-based outlet Superdeporte, which claims officials from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund were among those present. The scouts did not leave disappointed as the report adds Mosquera and Vazquez were outstanding, with their technical and physical attributes clear for all to see even though the result did not go Spain's way.
Vazquez, 19, is the more experienced of the two young defenders and wore the captain's armband for Spain U19. Having made his senior Valencia debut in the Copa del Rey in December 2020, he has featured 10 times for Jose Bordalas' side this season, notably starting their last three league games. Although he is a natural left-back, the teenager can also operate in a more advanced role and lined up on the left of midfield in a goalless draw with Getafe in mid-March.
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Mosquera, meanwhile, is just 17 and all five of his senior Valencia appearances have come this season, including two starts in La Liga earlier this year. The towering defender usually features as a centre-back but filled in on the right flank in January's Copa del Rey last-16 clash against Atletico Baleares. Remarkably, Mosquera and Vazquez are just one game away from winning the first major honour of their fledgling careers as they have helped Valencia reach the final of the cup competition, where they will face Real Betis in April.
It is clear to see why Arsenal and other European giants are interested in the two emerging talents, both of whom are under contract at Valencia until 2025 having signed extensions within the last 12 months. Mosquera's deal is believed to include a €25million (£21m) release clause which may tempt potential buyers ahead of the summer transfer window if he continues to make inroads in the Valencia first team.
