Spanish journalist Guillem Balague claims he has been told by sources close to Valencia that a deal has been agreed for Juan Mata to join Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the talented 22-year-old and it is thought a deal worth approximately £17m has been agreed with Valencia. The next step would be the player himself agreeing to the move, but according to Balague’s sources, Mata would be open to the move as it would see him earning far more than he currently earns and he enjoys the style of play Arsenal adopt.
Balague also feels Mata would slot in perfectly with Arsenal’s system and wouldn’t take a lot of time to adapt. North london rivals Tottenham have also been linked with a move for Mata, but it’s thought he would reject a move to Spurs as it wouldn’t be seen as a step up from Valencia, who qualified for the Champions League after finishing 3rd in La Liga last term.
Much may depend on the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri on when/if this transfer is completed, but Balague believes that if Fabregas does move to Barcelona this summer, then Arsene Wengers plan is to move Nasri in to central midfield and sign Mata to play on the left.
You can listen to balagues comments here.
