Arsenal Register Interest in Celta's Oscar Mingueza as Free Agent
Arsenal have registered their interest in Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, according to a report from the BBC. The 26-year-old Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected to leave Celta Vigo as a free agent, with the Premier League a likely destination.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been monitoring the versatile defender, who can play across the back line, as they look to bolster their defensive options. The Gunners have a history of recruiting from La Liga, having signed Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera in recent seasons.
Mingueza, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, joined Celta in 2022 after failing to establish himself at Camp Nou. He has since become a key figure in Celta’s defence, making 28 appearances in La Liga this season and contributing three assists. His current deal at the Balaidos expires in June, and the club’s sporting director, Marco Garcés, has publicly acknowledged the uncertainty around the player’s future, stating the club’s offer remains on the table.
Celta Vigo’s hopes of retaining their player appear slim, however. All signs point towards a move to the Premier League, with sources indicating that Arsenal have now joined the race. The defender is reportedly a target for several clubs, with Liverpool also credited with a long-standing interest. A move to Juventus, previously considered a strong possibility, now seems unlikely to materialize.
A free transfer for a player of Mingueza’s experience and tactical flexibility represents a significant market opportunity. For Arsenal, he would provide crucial depth and cover in multiple defensive positions, a key requirement for a club competing on multiple fronts. His arrival would increase competition for places at right-back, centre-back, and left-back, offering Arteta a reliable and versatile squad option without a transfer fee.
Celta Vigo, meanwhile, face the prospect of losing a key player for nothing. The situation is further complicated for Barcelona, who negotiated a 50% sell-on clause when Mingueza left the club. His departure on a free transfer would see the Catalan club miss out on a significant financial windfall. For Mingueza, a move to a club of Arsenal’s stature and project under Arteta could be the defining step in a career that has promised more than it has yet delivered at the very highest level.
