Arsenal want Juan Mata as Manchester United stall on offering star a new deal
Spaniard is available on a free next summer and worked with Gunners chief Unai Emery at Valencia
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ARSENAL are keen on Juan Mata with Manchester United yet to offer the midfielder a new contract, according to reports.
The Spanish playmaker scored the free-kick which sparked the incredible comeback win over Juventus - doing the same against Newcastle in October.
But the insists Mata, 30, has no fresh deal on the table despite him being available on a free next summer.
And Arsenal could look to take advantage of the situation in June, with foreign clubs able to speak to the ace from January.
Gunners boss Unai Emery worked with Mata at Valencia and has been looking for another No10.
The former Chelsea ace - who has played the full 90 minutes just once this season - could also return to Spain but is believed to want to stay at Old Trafford.
Move would make sense for club and player
By ALEX TERRELL
JUAN MATA has been left in the dark over a new deal at Old Trafford and a fresh start could be perfect for the little Spaniard.
And there would be no better place for him to do it than at Arsenal - with his former boss Unai Emery.
Tactically astute, an eye for a pass, a Champions League winner and an all-round nice guy, Arsenal fans would love to see Mata at the Emirates.
And, for the player, a chance to break free from the shackles of Jose Mourinho and play some genuine attacking football.
Manchester United may untimately do their utmost to keep him... but this could be a match made in heaven.
Mata's set-piece ability came up trumps in Turin as his goalscoring cameo helped Jose Mourinho to a pressure-lifting 2-1 victory.
Speaking after the game, he said: "As soon as there was the free-kick in there, I had the confidence that I had to take it.
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"I told Ash (Young) 'please let me take it, because I can go over the wall'. It's very difficult for the goalkeeper because they don’t see a lot.
"I think because of the venue and the importance of the game, it’s one of the best (I’ve scored)."