The Spaniard faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits that he “likes” Chelsea star Juan Mata but doubts the west London club would sell to a Premier League rival.
Speculation over Mata’s future at Stamford Bridge hit breaking point on Monday night after he was left on the bench by Blues boss Jose Mourinho for the entirety of the 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
With the imminent arrival of Willian in a £30 million deal from Anzhi Makhachkala, rumours continue to swirl that Mourinho will seek to offload the clubs Player of the Year for the last two seasons before the transfer deadline on September 2.
Mata was initially linked as being part of Chelsea’s bid to sign Wayne Rooney but a move elsewhere now appears to be a more likely scenario, with Wenger stating his admiration for the 25-year-old after Champions League victory over Fenerbahce on Tuesday night before conceding the transfer is unlikely to happen.
“I like him,” Wenger told Sky Sports. “I watched the game last night and I’ve heard, like you, Juan Mata could be on the market.
“There is anyway in England a reluctance to sell to each other.”
It was rumoured that Mata’s father was present at the Emirates Stadium to watch the game last night, stirring the conjecture pot even further, while north London rivals Tottenham and La Liga side Atletico Madrid also reportedly want the Spanish schemer.
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