With just a week remaining in the summer transfer window, this has become an emergency tracheotomy for Arsenal. The Gunners have yet to land a big name while it seems their major targets are slipping away from their hands, one after another.
Arsenal have been linked with an ambitious move for Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, who is also a prime target of Champions Manchester United, according to reports from The Mirror.
The 25-year-old was arguably the best player for Chelsea last season but it seems like somehow the Spaniard doesn’t feature in the long term plans of his new manager Jose Mourinho. His future has been speculated throughout the summer, and recently was linked with a move to United; with Red Devils striker Wayne Rooney moving the other way to Stamford Bridge in a cash plus swap-deal.
Chelsea already had an avalanche of attacking midfield players in their ranks, but with the purchase of Andre Schurrle, Willian and the return of Kevin De Bruyne from loan, Mata might drop down the pecking orders at the club while his future will definitely come under intense scrutiny.
The Gunners have had a frustrating time in the transfer market so far, despite having £70 million burning hole in the pocket. The North Londoners had been linked with several top strikers and midfielders throughout the summer like Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain, Luiz Gustavo and Karim Benzema, but such targets have remained targets only, and following huge pressure and backlash from the fans, Wenger is looking to make late incursions in the transfer market with an intention of pull off a sensational swoop for the Spaniard.
Mata was one of the main targets of Arsenal in 2011, and was even close to joining them, before Chelsea snapped him up for £23.5 million. From that respect, Wenger could silence some of his critics, should he lure the former Valencia star to the Emirates.
Mourinho has said time and again this summer that Mata won’t be sold as the Spaniard is integral to his plans, but speculations surrounding his future refuse to wither away. Though, it is highly unlikely that Chelsea would sell one of their best players to a rival club, but in a crazy transfer window like this, anything can happen.
Do you think Chelsea might cash in on Juan Mata by selling him to either Manchester United or Arsenal? Share your views below.
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