Arsenal
The Perfect Frank Lampard Replacement For Chelsea To Consider, If Arsenal Are Not Interested In Him
There have been hot rumours about Cesc Fabregas moving to the Premier League to join Chelsea. It is all the more interesting as Chelsea are rivals of his old club Arsenal, where he had enjoyed a very successful and long spell, even captaining the club at a young age. Probably the above statement is so well known that it feels out of context to even introduce an article with it! But yes, there have been sightings of Fabregas in London and strong solid reports of Wenger not being interested in re-signing the club’s former star. We all know Cesc has a house in London and would be interested in London clubs as his priority especially after refusing Manchester United’s consecutive bids.
The rumours have started more because of Barcelona’s desire to establish a balanced squad and strengthen their engine room, especially because of Xavi’s ageing and Song’s perennial inconsistency. They have reportedly stepped up their interest on Atletico midfielder Koke who can step up to be the hardworking playmaker that they would like to have in their team instead of Cesc, a player whom they were desperate to get back when he was playing at Arsenal.
But when we consider Chelsea, who have always been a team that are more focused on the resilience and directness in attack, it is more of a surprise when they are so heavily linked with a flair play-maker who would probably offer lesser box to box work rate. Yet, this also signals the intent of the Blues to buy a versatile player who would give them control over the game from a deep position. When we look at Chelsea’s last main play-maker, it was Juan Mata, who left the club recently as Jose Mourinho did not have him in his first team plans. It is probably obvious that an advanced playmaker is the one Jose Mourinho won’t look to sign. A player like Oscar, the one who works his socks off, is the type of player Lampard was- Playing behind the striker, yet falling back and making the runs.
Cesc Fabregas can offer both the Lampard role as well as the Oscar role. As we all know, Fabregas is a passer more than a dribbler. So we can wholly expect him to sit alongside Matic, and run the game with his vision. Chelsea have players with enormous energy willing to make runs and run for the team. Cesc will have Hazard, Willian, Oscar, Salah, Schurrle and the strikers Costa (probably) and Torres, whom he now knows in and out by their Spanish connections, would rather fit in easily in the team. Having a resilient attacking midfield filled with super hard-workers like Oscar and Willian, Fabregas would only be required to maintain a central midfield-defensive midfield position and need not even dive into tackles, rather just providing cover for other defending midfielders.
We know, Cesc Fabregas has played in teams that defend as a team, generally with technical players. A team like Chelsea having the league’s best defence and one of the world’s top defensive midfielder playing next to him, Cesc Fabregas’ addition to the team will give them the deep playmaker that this sort of squad requires. Chelsea need someone to run the game for them. Earlier it used to be Makelele, not Lampard, because if we look carefully, Frank Lampard was more of the engine player who would attack and create chances in advanced positions, but it was Claude Makelele who used to sit behind and hold possession as well as distribute it to the attackers and keep Chelsea in control.
As the general conception goes, that Fabregas will be a replacement for Lampard, it would be more accurate to think of Fabregas as some sort of modern replacement for Makelele who’s defensive duties will be majorly carried out by Matic whereas Fabregas would naturally offer more attacking attributes. As for the legendary Frank Lampard’s replacing, which most Chelsea supporters would feel, is impossible. Yet, the closest we can have to Lampard on the pitch would be van Ginkel or Oscar, of course a modern version with better dribbling than shooting.
The final verdict: Yes! An absolutely brilliant signing for the Blues if they do manage to get him, which can help them achieve their title winning dream yet again.
Arsenal‘s stance on Jakub Kiwior has evolved dramatically in recent weeks, creating a fascinating case study in squad management. With Arsenal having agreed a deal to sign Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera and agreed to pay an initial £13m for the Spanish centre-back, the question of Kiwior’s future has become more complex than initially expected.
The Case for Keeping Jakub Kiwior
Despite earlier speculation about his departure, Arsenal are not ready to part ways with Jakub Kiwior this summer and are not prepared to sell Jakub Kiwior this summer despite agreeing terms to bring in a new centre-back. This decision reflects Arsenal’s pragmatic approach to squad depth management.
The 25-year-old’s versatility remains his greatest asset. Kiwior can operate as a left-sided centre-back, left-back, or even in a back three formation, providing Mikel Arteta with tactical flexibility across multiple competitions. His left-footed delivery and progressive passing ability offer different qualities to Arsenal’s defensive options.
Market value: 28,00 mil. € demonstrates that Kiwior retains significant value, but Arsenal’s reluctance to cash in suggests they view his squad contribution as more valuable than immediate financial returns. His Champions League experience and Premier League adaptation make him a reliable option for rotation. The injury concerns surrounding Riccardo Calafiori also factor into Arsenal’s thinking.
The Arguments for Selling
Jakub Kiwior could be heading out of Arsenal in the summer, with the defender keen to take up a more prominent role. This desire for regular football represents a significant challenge for Arsenal’s retention plans.
The arrival of Mosquera creates a crowded defensive picture. Arsenal are looking at him as a potential replacement for Jakub Kiwior, suggesting the club had initially planned to facilitate the Polish defender’s departure. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes established as the first-choice partnership, Kiwior faces limited opportunities for consistent starts.
From a career perspective, Kiwior’s development might stagnate without regular first-team football. At 25, he’s entering his prime years and needs consistent playing time to reach his full potential, something Arsenal cannot guarantee given their defensive hierarchy.
The Financial Considerations
Spezia did not include a sell-on clause in their sale of Jakub Kiwior to Arsenal, increasing the Gunners’ chances of selling him. This means Arsenal would retain 100% of any transfer fee, making a sale financially attractive.
The €35 million asking price would provide Arsenal with substantial funds to reinvest in other areas of the squad. With the club’s ambitious transfer plans, including potential moves for Viktor Gyökeres and other targets, Kiwior’s sale could facilitate these bigger acquisitions.
However, replacing his squad depth would likely cost similar amounts in today’s inflated market, potentially negating the financial benefits of his departure.
The Verdict: Keep for Now
Arsenal’s decision to retain Kiwior despite Mosquera’s arrival reflects mature squad planning. The congested fixture schedule, with Champions League and domestic competitions, demands quality depth across all positions.
Arsenal target Cristhian Mosquera has appeared to confirm his Valencia departure, suggesting the Spanish defender will arrive as additional depth rather than a direct replacement. This approach allows Arsenal to maintain defensive options while gradually integrating new talent.
Kiwior’s frustration with limited playing time is understandable, but Arsenal’s project timeline suggests patience could be rewarded. Injuries, suspensions, and tactical variations across different competitions will create opportunities for the Polish defender to showcase his abilities.
The decision ultimately depends on whether Kiwior accepts a squad role or pushes for a move to guarantee regular football. Arsenal’s preference to keep him suggests they value his contribution more than potential transfer fees, indicating that retention represents the wisest course of action for the upcoming season.
Read More: Why Missing Out on Eberechi Eze Could Be Arsenal’s Biggest Transfer Blunder
Arsenal‘s £13m acquisition of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia represents a forward-thinking piece of business that deserves a solid 8/10 rating. The 21-year-old Spanish defender’s arrival addresses a crucial long-term need while demonstrating Arsenal’s commitment to building for the future.
The Transfer Context
Mosquera officially joined Arsenal after the club agreed a £13 million transfer fee plus add-ons with Valencia, following successful negotiations. The defender signed a five-year deal after personal terms were agreed in principle, with Arsenal hopeful he will join their pre-season tour of Asia after completing his medical in London.
This move follows Valencia’s attempts to retain their young star with a new contract offer, but Mosquera confirmed his departure from Valencia, claiming he was leaving “home” to begin a “new era”. The signing represents Arsenal’s first major defensive addition of the summer transfer window, addressing the need for youth and quality in their backline.
Arsenal’s defensive situation required long-term planning beyond their current options. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães established as the first-choice partnership, Mosquera provides both immediate depth and future succession planning for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Why This Rates as an 8/10
Value for Money (9/10): At £13m plus add-ons, Arsenal have secured a defender with significant La Liga experience and enormous potential. The 21-year-old centre-back stands 1.91m tall and has dual Spanish-Colombian citizenship, making him a valuable asset both domestically and internationally. With 82 appearances for Valencia across four seasons, recording 25 wins, 25 draws, and 32 losses with 20 clean sheets, his experience belies his young age.
Read More: Where are they now: Arsene Wenger’s final Arsenal XI?
Squad Depth Enhancement (8/10): Mosquera provides proven La Liga experience as cover for Arsenal’s centre-back positions. His strong physical presence despite his young age, combined with his pace, good anticipation, and ability to play the ball forward, makes him ideally suited to Arsenal’s possession-based approach. His versatility across defensive positions offers tactical flexibility for European campaigns.
Tactical Fit (8/10): Arteta’s system demands defenders comfortable with distribution and building from the back. Mosquera’s technical ability and composure on the ball align perfectly with these requirements. His height and aerial presence provide additional options for set-pieces, while his pace allows Arsenal to maintain a high defensive line.
Future Potential (8/10): Perhaps most importantly, Mosquera represents exceptional long-term value. At just 21, he offers years of development potential under Arsenal’s coaching system. His trajectory from Valencia’s youth system to first-team regular suggests he possesses the mentality and ability to thrive at the highest level.
Risk Assessment (7/10): The primary risk involves adapting to Premier League physicality and pace. However, his La Liga experience and physical attributes suggest he should handle the transition well. His age means there’s time to develop and adjust to English football’s demands.
The Bigger Picture
This signing reflects Arsenal’s sophisticated approach to squad building. Rather than pursuing expensive, established names, they’ve identified a high-potential defender who strengthens their squad immediately while offering long-term value. The investment allows Arsenal to plan for the future while maintaining their current defensive standards.
Mosquera’s arrival also demonstrates Arsenal’s global scouting network and ability to identify talent before it reaches premium pricing. His dual nationality provides valuable squad flexibility, while his experience in European competition with Valencia offers immediate Champions League readiness.
The Spanish defender’s development trajectory mirrors several successful Arsenal signings in recent years, where young players have thrived under Arteta’s guidance and tactical system.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s capture of Cristhian Mosquera merits an 8/10 rating – a shrewd, future-focused signing that addresses immediate needs while building for tomorrow. The combination of proven La Liga experience, exceptional physical attributes, and significant development potential makes this an outstanding piece of business.
The £13m fee represents excellent value in today’s inflated market, particularly for a defender with Mosquera’s profile and potential. His arrival strengthens Arsenal’s defensive options while providing the foundation for years of success at the Emirates Stadium.
This signing epitomizes Arsenal’s current transfer strategy: identifying young, talented players before they reach premium pricing, then developing them within a winning system. Mosquera has all the attributes to become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense for years to come.
Read More: Keep or Sell Albert Sambi Lokonga? Arsenal’s Summer Squad Assessment
Albert Sambi Lokonga has returned to Arsenal for pre-season training, spotted wearing the number 28 jersey at the Sobha Realty Training Centre alongside new signings Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga. After a season-long loan at Sevilla, the Belgian midfielder finds himself back in North London as Mikel Arteta evaluates his squad for the 2025-26 campaign.
The Current Situation
Lokonga has rejoined Arsenal’s first-team training after spending the 2024-25 season on loan with Sevilla, with the midfielder now wearing number 28 after his previous number was reassigned during his absence. Arsenal activated a one-year contract extension option in June 2025, suggesting the club sees some value in retaining the Belgian.
Arsenal fans have noted that Lokonga appears to have bulked up physically during his time away, potentially addressing previous concerns about his physicality for Premier League football. His return comes after a loan spell at Sevilla following an impressive 2023-24 season at Luton Town, where he made 19 appearances and scored once.
The Case for Keeping
Physical Development: The noticeable physical transformation during his loan spell suggests Lokonga has addressed one of the key criticisms of his earlier Arsenal performances. His improved physique could help him compete more effectively in Premier League midfield battles.
Squad Depth Value: With Arsenal competing across multiple competitions, including the Champions League, having experienced Premier League players as depth options becomes crucial. Lokonga’s versatility and familiarity with Arteta’s system could prove valuable during injury crises.
Contract Extension Logic: Arsenal’s decision to activate his contract extension suggests internal belief in his potential contribution. The club rarely extends contracts for players they have no intention of using.
Financial Sense: With his contract now extended, Arsenal can afford to give Lokonga a proper pre-season evaluation rather than rushing into a sale. This allows for better assessment of his current level and potential squad role.
Read More: Antonio Nusa to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
The Case for Selling
Limited Pathway: Despite his return, the midfield hierarchy remains unchanged. With Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and the arrival of Martin Zubimendi, plus emerging talents like Ethan Nwaneri, Lokonga faces an uphill battle for regular minutes.
Loan Cycle Concerns: Three consecutive loan spells suggest a pattern of being surplus to requirements. His time at Crystal Palace, Luton Town, and Sevilla, while providing experience, hasn’t resulted in a clear Arsenal pathway.
Age Factor: At 25, Lokonga is reaching the point where he needs regular first-team football to continue his development. Another season of limited opportunities could stagnate his progress.
Market Value: Following his loan experiences, there may be interested clubs willing to offer permanent deals that could benefit both player and club financially.
The Verdict
Arsenal should give Lokonga this pre-season to prove himself. The contract extension and physical improvements suggest there’s still potential to unlock. His return to training alongside new signings indicates Arteta is willing to assess him fairly within the current squad dynamic.
If Lokonga can demonstrate his improvement during pre-season friendlies and show he can compete at Arsenal’s level, he could provide valuable squad depth. However, if no clear pathway emerges, a permanent sale would benefit all parties involved.
The key difference now is that Arsenal aren’t under immediate pressure to make a decision – they can properly evaluate Lokonga’s current ability and determine his role in their plans.
Read More: Cristhian Mosquera To Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis
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