Arsenal have failed with an opening offer for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, according to a report. The Gunners were said to have started 'active discussions' to sign the Spain Under-21 international on Thursday and have been moving at a rapid pace to try to conclude a deal in the coming days.

Valencia have issued an emphatic response to Arsenal ’s opening bid for Cristhian Mosquera. Despite their apparent strength in depth, Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a new centre-half this summer. Arsenal failed in their attempts to recruit Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth with the Spain international having been determined to join Real Madrid.

Mosquera’s contract in Spain expires next summer, and Arsenal are well-placed to get a deal done. If Mosquera were to move to the Emirates Stadium, he is likely to follow Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard through the door.