Arsenal handed Cristhian Mosquera boost as defender jets out to join Gunners on pre-season tour

Arsenal are still yet to officially announce that Mosquera has joined the club, despite having agreed a deal for the defender some time ago. Mosquera said goodbye to Valencia last week but missed the team's flight to Singapore for their pre-season tour as the transfer has not been finalised. However, the 21-year-old is now on his way to meet up with the Gunners and will be part of their tour of Asia after being given permission to travel by Valencia, according to BBC Sport.

The arrival of Mosquera for the tour will be a boost to Mikel Arteta as he prepares for the new campaign. The Arsenal boss is without new signing Noni Madueke for the trip, due to his Club World Cup efforts with Chelsea, while the club are continuing to work on a transfer for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. New arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard were all on the plane to Singapore after securing moves to the Gunners this summer.

Mosquera arrives at Arsenal after making 90 appearances for Valencia. He was a virtual ever-present last season in La Liga, playing 90 minutes in 37 of Valencia's 38 league matches.

Arsenal's first game of the tour is on Wednesday against Serie A side AC Milan. The Gunners then go on to face Newcastle on Sunday.