From: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...an-mata?campaign=rss&source=soccernet&cc=5739 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2017191/Arsenal-encouraged-Juan-Mata-pursuit.html Valencia have inicated they could now be willing to accept an offer for Juan Mata after previously insisting he is not for sale. Mata has been linked with a move to Arsenal since starring in the European Under-21 Championships, after previously being linked with Liverpool, but talk of a Premier League switch was quashed by his current club ten days ago with president Manuel Llorente explicitly claiming "Juan Mata is not for sale". However, the La Liga club, who cashed in on David Villa and David Silva last summer, now appear willing to cash in should the right offer come for Mata. "The possibility exists that Mata will leave the club," Valencia manager Unai Emery told Marca. "We want him to stay and Mata has also expressed his desire to stay at Valencia, but at the same time we cannot stop a player who really wants to leave for money or for a bigger club. "So, if there is a large financial offer from any club, that is good for both us and him, we will have to let him leave." Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the winger, but Arsenal's potential to offer Champions League football next season is understood to put the Gunners as frontrunners for Mata's signature. Liverpool's move for Stewart Downing also suggests their interest will have waned. ----- Do Arsenal really want a player who isn't really keen to come to play? He's a hot talent, and Valencia need to sell to balance the books. I'd rather he came to Arsenal than any other Premiership club. Do you guys still want him? If Fabregas goes and Mata signs, I'll buy myself a Mata shirt.
On the Liverpool board we really rate him; I've watched a few of the matches he's played in and there's absolutely nothing to suggest he won't fit right into the premier league. The only downside I see to him is his size. He would be a brilliant buy for you, although I think he'd be best utilized with a tall striker because he does like to feed crosses in and cut across. If I were Wenger I'd go for Llorente, Mata and Godin. Anyway, good luck for the new season - Just not too much luck because we want your place in the top 4.
He's a fantastic player and would make it in the Premierleague. The reason for that is he is extremely tenacious, he's an aggressive little lad. If we sign him he would improve our squad and walk straight into our starting line up, I have no doubt about that. However... I still cant help but think spending £20+ Million on ANOTHER small attacking midfielder is slightly crazy!! Andrei Arshavin Theo Walcott Cecs Fabregas Samir Nasri Jack Wilshere Juan Mata I've said it before but.. Seriously are we auditioning for the next Terry Gillian Film?? How about? (in order of importance) 1.A Left Back 2.A Tall commanding centreback? 3.An experienced goalkeeper? 4.Back up for Song Perhaps?
Can't see a LB coming in. I can see Melo for 10m. I'd like a new CB, and I'd love a new Defense Coach - I think Dixon would be good, he seems tactically astute. Gervinho & Mata - suitable replacements for Nasri & Fabregas? Or just for Fabregas with Nasri shifting positions & a new player for increased squad depth? I'd like that. Tho they are both small players...again!
Agree with everything you said. Give Sagna the armband, fix up Wenger's philosophy a little, then we're set to win EVERYTHING.
I think we do need at least one more defensive acquisition. Vermaelen, Koscielney and Djourou are all good enough in my opinion. Squillaci - as much as I want him to do well, just isn't up to the required standard. But if one of them gets injured, quite simply, we're ****ed. Jenkinson can't be expected to carry the defensive short fallings on his own, Clichy has gone too and we don't seem to be looking to replace him. So numbers wise, we'll struggle if we get injuries.
Interested to see how Kyle Bartley gets on this season. He could turn out to be really good and if so, he'll become a CB hero
Smiffy He looks good. Smart, composed and skillfull. Not sure he's the quickest CB, but I think his game will suit European football perfectly.
I still worry about LB. Traore is no defender, or at least wasn't when I saw him last. Gibbs has potential but still makes errors and is a massive injury worry. Jenkinson is a rightback first and foremost so asking him to go there fulltime is a concern. Yes yes I know TV can play there but I resent moving our best CB out of the heart of the defence. Mata looks a great little player. Little. That doesn't concern me though but I only think it's worth considering if both Nasri and Cesc go.
Totally agree with this mate. Vermaelen is our best CB. Playing him at LB is ludicrous. I really want Gibbs to do well, but it's too much to expect him to carry that position all season. Traore is a LW not a LB.
The ? all Arsenal fans have got to ask is will Arsene pay the top money to get the real quality players that Arsenal need to challenge for the prem. I would have to say no, because Arsene will not pay £20m to £30m for a player he rather try and sign players which may develope into very good players when they reach their mid 20's, this will not always work.
