Chelsea Transfer News: Keeping Juan Mata Is Crucial to Blues' Success

Juan Mata is coming off a very strong campaign. He's established himself as a vital piece of the Chelsea midfield, which is why it was a surprise to see his name connected with transfer talk. Moving him would be a step in the wrong direction for the Blues.

Jose Mourinho seems to agree. He quickly squashed all speculation involving Mata, along with fellow key contributor David Luiz, after the pair were mentioned as potential chips in a deal to acquire Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, reports Sky Sports.

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Chelsea have publicly denied offering either player in part-exchange for the Manchester United striker, their No 1 transfer target.

And on arrival in Malaysia for the latest leg of the club's pre-season tour, Mourinho could not have been clearer that both Luiz and Mata are part of his plans for the new season.

Asked about the possibility of selling either, he said: "No chance. No chance."

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What makes Mata so valuable is his ability to produce regardless of his role. He's at his best when playing on the inside, giving him more room to operate and allowing him to use his creativity to spearhead the attack.

But he can also move to the outside or forward without a major drop-off in form. Unlike many players who struggle when asked to play outside their natural positions, the Spanish international consistently finds a way to make an impact from any spot.

The numbers back that up. Mata finished last season with 20 goals and 35 assists across all competitions for the Blues. It illustrates the fact he clearly has the finishing touch necessary to keep defenders honest, but is a natural playmaker in the middle.

As if Chelsea needed another reason to keep him, he's just 25. He's not a veteran nearing the end of his peak, at which point it often becomes sensible to cash in on a player. Mata is in the midst of his prime and should remain at the top of his game for the foreseeable future.

When you combine him with Eden Hazard, Oscar and the other midfield options Chelsea have, it's one area of the squad where Mourinho should feel content. There's enough talent in the group to help challenge for the Premier League title.

Obviously, when a big name like Rooney is being tossed around, things tend to get out of control. New United manager David Moyes is finding that out quickly.

That said, it wouldn't make much sense for Chelsea to sacrifice another important piece just to acquire the English international. The focus should be on bolstering the squad as much as possible for a title run, not exchanging pieces with other contenders.

While the forward group struggled with consistency last season, highlighted by Fernando Torres' usual streaky play, there's reason for optimism. Andre Schurrle and Romelu Lukaku should help provide some stability up front.

So moving somebody like Mata in a deal for Rooney isn't in the club's best interest. That's probably why Mourinho was so quick to dismiss the notion he could be moved.

Mata is a special player. Chelsea are wise to keep him at Stamford Bridge.