Arsene Wenger has admitted he wants to bring Juan Mata to the Emirates after the Gunners sealed their place in the Champions League group stage.
Following the Spain playmaker’s omission from the Chelsea starting line-up at Manchester United on Monday night, rumours circulated he was available for transfer.
Sportsmail exclusively revealed in July that Arsenal were monitoring Mata’s position at Chelsea and the fact his father was a guest at the Emirates has only heightened talk of a shock switch for the Spain international.
Sportsmail exclusively revealed Arsenal’s interest in Juan Mata back in July. ‘I watched the [Chelsea] game last night that Juan Mata could be on the market. I don’t know, there is a reluctance in England to sell to each other,’ said Wenger.
‘Does that frustrate me? Yes, I like him. ‘Everybody knows we are in the market. The whole world knows that now. I cannot be more creative than that, because all has been said and nothing has been concluded.’
Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham are also believed to be lining up a approach for Mata. Spurs will pocket £86milllion from the imminent transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid and have earmarked the Spaniard as a replacement for the Wales international.
Despite enjoying two fruitful seasons with the Stamford Bridge club, Mata faces playing a bit-part role this season following the £30m arrival of Willian.
Source: Telegraph
