The versatile Valencia and Spain attacker Juan Manuel Mata seems unfazed over interest from English Premier League clubs and has voiced his intention to stay at the Mestalla.
The Spain international has been linked with several clubs in the past few weeks, but wants to focus on Valencia as he targets silverware in the upcoming season.
Valencia star Juan Manuel Mata
“I want to win a trophy with Valencia next season. I’ve not planned anything different as I’ve a contract until 2015,” Mata told.
Reports suggest that, although Valencia want to keep Mata, they are still financially strapped and a bid in excess of £23million could be enough to land the player who guided Spain to the European U-21 Championship title in Denmark earlier this month.
Liverpool and Arsenal are both linked with the player, whilst arch rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona are also thought to be on top of his situation.
Reports yesterday suggested that Arsenal would be prepared to offer £18m for the player but Valencia have said that offer would be rejected straight away. The newspaper reports that Arsenal may increase their offer in a bid to land the Spanish international but will want Valencia to meet them somewhere around the £20m mark. Mata, who signed a new four year deal in January, will not be sold unless any club meets Valencia’s valuation of the player a club spokesperson said.
The lure of the Champions League could see Mata turn down Liverpool’s overtures to become Arsenal’s all-time record signing.
Spanish sources claim Real Madrid have an ace card in the likes of Pedro Leon who could be offered to the Mestalla outfit in exchange, which again could tempt them. Mata graduated successfully on Real Madrid’s youth academy before moving to Champions League’s two times finalists Valencia.
The 23-year-old attacker has been in fine form in 2011, scoring 8 and assisting 12 goals, and helped Valencia seal third spot in the Liga table.
Although the 23-year-old Mata has an ongoing contract with Valencia and is keen to stay put, the Mestalla side could decide to cash in on the attacker if the price is right in order to reduce their debts.
Tags: Arsenal, Barcelona, Emirates Stadium, Juan Manuel Mata, Liverpool, Mestalla, Pedro Leon, Real Madrid, Spain, Spain U-21, Valencia
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