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.

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.

Who is Cristhian Mosquera? Why Arsenal fans should be excited 'as transfer talks begin' - Spain Under-21 international is reportedly admired by Mikel Arteta