Chelsea will look to pip Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to sign Juan Mata from Valencia before the summer transfer window ends.
According to reports in the Guardian, the Blues have looked at Mata as a genuine target if their bid for Modric fails, and Chelsea have made an informal inquiry to Valencia about their willingness to sell.
This latest development will infuriate Arsenal, who had looked at the 23-year-old as a possible replacement for the recently departed Cesc Fabregas, but had failed to make a bid for Mata before the 31st of July, which was the expiry date for his buyout clause.
This has meant that Valencia now have the power to dictate the value of the Spaniard, as the previous buyout clause had restricted his value to £22 million.
Tottenham Hotspur had been happy to meet that valuation, but the player himself had rejected a move to the club, as they were not challenging for the UEFA Champions League this season.
Further reports indicate that Valencia are looking for at least €30 million before they will let Mata leave, and with manager Andre Villa-Boas keen to add flair to his midfield, they are expected to easily outbid their London rivals for the talented attacker.
more..
According to reports in the Guardian, the Blues have looked at Mata as a genuine target if their bid for Modric fails, and Chelsea have made an informal inquiry to Valencia about their willingness to sell.
This latest development will infuriate Arsenal, who had looked at the 23-year-old as a possible replacement for the recently departed Cesc Fabregas, but had failed to make a bid for Mata before the 31st of July, which was the expiry date for his buyout clause.
This has meant that Valencia now have the power to dictate the value of the Spaniard, as the previous buyout clause had restricted his value to £22 million.
Tottenham Hotspur had been happy to meet that valuation, but the player himself had rejected a move to the club, as they were not challenging for the UEFA Champions League this season.
Further reports indicate that Valencia are looking for at least €30 million before they will let Mata leave, and with manager Andre Villa-Boas keen to add flair to his midfield, they are expected to easily outbid their London rivals for the talented attacker.
more..
