Man United fight to keep Juan Mata with star emerging as Arsenal target
Unai Emery is keen to reunite with his former Valencia playmaker and bring him on a free transfer to the Gunners this summer
ARSENAL are reportedly plotting a swoop to snatch Juan Mata on a free transfer from rivals Manchester United.
The Spanish playmaker, 31, is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer and is able to speak and sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs now.
Juventus, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all keen on bringing in the ex-Chelsea star.
The claim Gunners boss Unai Emery is also hoping to lure the 2010 World Cup winner to the Emirates.
And Arsenal’s lack of transfer funds means a free for the attacker would hugely appeal.
Mata, who played under Emery at Valencia, has been allowed to run down his contract at United but has held talks over an extension.
However, with nothing agreed, the door is open for interested parties to pounce and snap-up the experienced ace.
The Old Trafford club have allegedly instigated a new policy of not recruiting players over 28.
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United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is also being cautious about handing out no more than one-year extensions to squad members aged 30 plus.
Veterans Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia have also been allowed to run down their deals with the Red Devils along with Mata.