Man United ready to hand Juan Mata new three-year deal as Arsenal eye up freebie
Spanish playmaker is available on a free when his contract ends in the summer with clubs lining-up to swoop
MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to hand Juan Mata a new three-year deal, according to reports.
The Spanish playmaker, 30, is available on a free transfer when his contract ends in the summer with clubs lining-up to swoop.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are said to be monitoring Mata's situation, but the midfielder's hot form may just have convinced Jose Mourinho to keep him at the club.
United spent £37million bringing Mata to Old Trafford from Chelsea in 2014 and has gone on to become a real fan favourite.
Now the Star claim United chiefs are hoping to tie the former Valencia star down until the end of the 2021-22 season.
However, last month it was revealed Mata was considering his own future and was stalling on any contract talks in Manchester.
The Spaniard will now be free to talk to foreign clubs in January, leaving United under pressure to tie him down to a new deal.
Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Mata, having failed to bring him to North London in 2011 as he signed for the Blues instead.
Mata has impressed this season under Mourinho - chipping in with three goals and one assist in 14 games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Mata's compatriot Ander Herrera is also thought to be in talks over a new contract at Old Trafford.