Manchester United are reportedly ready to offload Juan Mata in the summer to make way for Chelsea winger Willian.
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester United are ready to step up their long-standing pursuit of Willian. The Red Devils are ready to sell Juan Mata in the summer transfer window to make way for the Chelsea superstar, who could be available for £30 million.
Mata has been an important member of the first-team squad under Jose Mourinho over the last two seasons, although he hasn’t quite been indispensable in the starting lineup. Since the Portuguese took charge at Old Trafford in 2016, the player has made 78 appearances for Manchester United.
His return though, hasn’t been that impressive, with just 13 goals and 12 assists to show for his efforts. And, it now looks like his time at Manchester United is about to come to an end after five campaigns so as to create space in the squad for Chelsea winger Willian.
The Brazil international has been on Mourinho’s radar for quite some time now, with Manchester United even attempting to sign him last summer. But, the player decided to stay put, despite Pedro usurping him as first-choice winger in Antonio Conte’s first-team at Chelsea.
Willian had to bide his time this season as well, but is now one of the first names on the team sheet, having produced several match winning displays in recent months. But, his Chelsea stint could be running on its last legs, with Manchester United confident of snapping him up this summer.
Willian has a little over two years remaining on his current contract with Chelsea, and there have been no movements over a renewal, which has provided Manchester United the impetus to step up their pursuit of the 29-year-old.
The potential arrival of Willian can fill up a major hole in the Manchester United attack, with Mourinho eager to sign a winger who can naturally operate on the right flank. And in order to open up a space in his squad, the Portuguese is ready to cash in on Mata, who will only have one year left on his deal with the club.
There had been rumours of an impending renewal offer from Manchester United, with the player himself keen on signing a new contract. But, 2017-18 could be his final season at Old Trafford, especially if Willian arrives in the summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking to recoup the amount they paid for Willian when they signed him from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer of 2013. Manchester United will, thus, have to shell out £30 million to secure his services, which shouldn’t deter them in pursuit of the Brazilian.
It now remains to be seen if Manchester United can go on to land Willian in the summer transfer window, and if Mata ends up making way for his former Chelsea teammate.
