Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has made an impressive start to life in the Premier League and remains at the centre of an international tug of war.
The 21-year-old joined the Gunners from Valencia over the summer in what is looking like a bargain deal worth just £13m.
Due to injuries he was thrown into the team earlier than he may have expected, but has looked excellent and already racked up 16 appearances in all competitions.
The 6’3″ centre-back looks at home at the top level, but which country he will play his international football for is yet to be confirmed.
Mosquera was born in Alicante and grew up in Spain, playing for Hercules before joining the Valencia youth set-up.
Get your football fix
Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro’s football experts sent straight to your inbox – sign up, it’s an open goal.
He has been capped through the age range levels for Spain and has captained the Under-21 side.
The defender was also in the Spain Olympic squad which won gold in Paris 2024.
However, he is yet to be capped at senior level and holds a Colombian passport due to his parents hailing from the South American country.
He could still make the switch to play for Colombia if he so wishes and a current Colombian international has said he would be welcomed into the fold.
Yerry Mina, formerly of Everton and Barcelona and currently playing for Cagliari, has talked up the prospect of joining him in the Colombia squad.
The 31-year-old says a new recruit would have to show ‘love for the shirt’ if he does decide to switch allegiance, though.
‘He’s a player with great potential and a rich cultural background,’ Mina told AS Colombia.
‘If he feels the calling, he’ll be welcome. The important thing is that he has commitment, humility, and love for the shirt.’
Mosquera is well thought of in Spain, but there is plenty of competition in the senior squad and he appears to be leaving his options open.
‘I’m focused on working hard, and opportunities will arise,’ he told Spanish publication AS in October.
‘I’m focused on my club and I’m not worried or desperate about other opportunities. The day-to-day is what depends on me, and the rest will come.
‘Spain has some fantastic centre-backs, both now and in the future. It’s up to me to work hard and earn my place.
‘As I said, what depends on me is to stay focused on my club and doors will open.’