Ridden with debt, Valencia have been unloading some of their top players for the last few seasons, with David Villa sold to Barcelona and David Silva to Manchester City, both for big fees. Now it seems, Juan Mata will provide the club with much need money to help to pay off the debts, as £18 million seems a substantial offer for the 23 year-old midfielder.
Mata played a key part in the Spanish Under-21 European Championship win in the past few weeks, and there was huge interest in him from scouts from all over the world, but Arsenal have moved ahead of them all with an apparent solid bid.
Liverpool are very keen on the youngster, but the lure of Chapions League football will probably sway Mata towards an Arsenal move, even though Liverpool would have no problems in matching Valencia's apparent £21 million asking price.
Arsene Wenger is prepared it seems to pay well over the current Arsenal transfer record of Andrey Arshavin, who cost the club £13 million. It is a big move for Wenger who has come under increasing pressure to change his transfer policy and spend some real money on quality players, and with Mata's versatility of being able to play both in the middle and on the wing as well as a good assist rate, this would be a very impressive signing of attacking intent from the Arsenal manager.
In 33 La Liga games last season, Mata scored eight and assisted 12. The Spanish style of play which Mata has learned whilst in the Spanish international squad, and which comes naturally to many Spaniards would fit well with Wenger's Arsenal style, so Wenger will be hoping Arsenal are the players first choice, especially as the manager looks to avoid any big bidding wars for the player.
Mata's agent - his father said before the European Championships finished:
"Until after the Euro, we won't listen to anybody. After that, we're willing to listen to all offers we receive."
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