Thursday, 28 July 2011

Arsenal Make Move for Mata

As the futures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal becomes increasingly confusing, Arsenal look to have started work on securing a replacement. After missing out on potential other targets Downing and Cazorla, Wenger has deiced to go for Juan Mata of Valencia.


The recent under 21 European championship winner, has had a transfer to the Gunner mooted over the past month although given Valencia's presidents recent comments over his future the transfer looked set to be off. 
Manuel Llorente had said:
'The decision is clear and money will not change our position. Valencia will not sell to any club that wants to buy Mata.'


However, over the last 24 hours it seems the deal is very much back on, and many sources are saying that we have made a bid for the former Real Madrid youth player. 




Apparently we have made a bid of between 13.5-18 million pounds for Mata, and some papers are saying that it has met his release clause. If the deal is done anywhere near this price Arsenal will be getting the deal of the summer. Although, Spanish expert Graham Hunter believes his clause is is more than 20 million - though that is still a brilliant deal since Aguero is set to join City for 40 million.


Despite also being linked to Tottenham, Mata's father and agent practically dismissed his sons transfer to Spurs by saying:
 “Juan is a wanted man in England. A number of clubs are after him, but he will want to play in the Champions League. I am sure he will do well in England.”
He also said:
 “We have not received any formal offer. We are not sure what is going to happen at this moment.” 
Another key figure, Guillem Balague, a Spanish football expert had this to say on the proposed Mata deal:
"About Mata: Arsenal interested, Valencia DO sell for 18m euros plus no matter what they say."
These comments seem to show that a deal is quite close, and reports that Mata's representative are on their way to discuss a move are very positive. We can only hope the deal happens quicker than Fabregas'.


The versatile 23 year old is more than comfortable on both flanks and even though the middle. Although if we were to secure his services I reckon he'll be playing mainly on the wing. With either Nasri or Fabregas (one is sure to leave) in a central position.


Another Arsenal target, Chris Samba has also made comments about his future. The Blackburn captain is keen to leave the North West club and join a team in the Champions League. 


Speaking of a proposed move to Arsenal the giant Congolese defender said:
"I don't know what is happening with Arsenal because I am not dealing with it and it's not my problem, A player who has no ambition to play at a higher level has made a mistake and chosen the wrong sport." 
Currently i'm unsure that we'll end up signing Samba this summer, even despite his best efforts to force through the transfer, as I think Arsene is more keen on Jagielka and Cahill or even Scott Dann. But considering that Samba will be cheaper than both, he may be considered if things don't materialize with the other deals.


No-one knows for certain what will happen regarding Arsenal's transfer dealings this summer, but the main thing is to qualify for the Champions league, or we won't be able to attract the quality of players we need to improve our squad. Moreover, since the match is worth close to £25-30 million it may have a big effect on our transfer dealings.


What also must be considered is that Van Persie and Nasri have to serve suspensions for the qualifier, so the game will be even trickier. Not to mention the injury scares over Theo Walcott. All the results of the first leg of the 3rd round qualifiers can be found here.

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