Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Manchester United superstar Juan Mata, if he becomes available as a free agent next summer
According to an exclusive report by Daily Star, Juan Mata is the subject of interest from Arsenal, who are looking to sign him in the summer transfer window. The Manchester United superstar is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, and could join the Gunners in a free transfer if a renewal is not signed.
Mata was one of two signings that David Moyes made during his disastrous reign as the Manchester United manager. Set to complete his fifth year at Old Trafford though, the player has been a consistent performer for the Premier League heavyweights, even if he hasn’t quite been their biggest match winner.
However, Mata is now in the final year of his contract with Manchester United. And, while there have been reports of the two parties being in talks over a new deal, there has been very little development on the renewal front lately. This uncertainty has opened the possibility of a move away from the club, with Arsenal being his latest suitors.
The Gunners do not have a lot of problems as far as attack is concerned, having looked like a menacing outfit in the final third. But, Arsenal manager Unai Emery is concerned that the departure of Aaron Ramsey, who has not agreed a new deal and could leave on a free transfer next summer, could leave them a little short in the creative department.
While Emery already has top notch playmakers in the form of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil, the report suggests that the Arsenal boss might want to add another such player to his squad. To that end, he has turned his attention towards Manchester United superstar Mata, who has previously worked with Emery at Valencia.
Arsenal though, will only make a move for Mata if he is out of contract next summer, as they are believed to be operating on a limited budget. The pursuit of the Manchester United superstar also depends on whether Ramsey indeed leaves.
A move back to Valencia has also been mooted for Mata, even though he is keen on staying put at Old Trafford. It now remains to be seen if the Spaniard reunites with Emery at Arsenal next summer, or if he ends up remaining at Manchester United.
