Chelsea Transfer News: Selling Juan Mata Would Be a Mistake Despite Willian Deal

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has made Juan Mata expendable in his lineup, but it would be a mistake to sell the talented midfielder.

In the club's first three matches of the season, Mata has only made one appearance, playing 65 minutes against Aston Villa before being subbed out of the contest. He did not play a single minute against Manchester United in one of the biggest matches of the early part of the season.

Additionally, Chelsea recently confirmed on the team's official site that management has agreed to terms with Willian in a transfer from Anzhi Makhachkala. The Brazilian playmaker is a big-time talent on the attack and is certain to find a role in the already crowded midfield.

With Oscar and Eden Hazard already securing spots while youngsters Kevin De Bruyne and Andre Schurrle fight for minutes, this leaves few opportunities for Mata.

As a result, Tottenham are interested in a transfer in the 25-year-old player, according to David Kent of the Daily Mail:

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Tottenham are lining up a sensational approach for Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata. 

The north London club will pocket £86milllion from the imminent transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid and have earmarked Mata as a replacement for the Wales international. 

Despite enjoying two fruitful seasons with the Stamford Bridge club, Mata faces playing a bit-part role this season following the £30m arrival of Willian. 

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The report also states that La Liga's Atletico Madrid is interested in bringing in the Spanish national.

However, the problem with all of this is the fact that Chelsea would be giving up arguably its best player and one of the best in the entire league.

Last season, Mata was excellent for the Blues, totaling 12 goals and 12 assists in league player. In all competitions, he had an incredible 20 goals and 28 assists as the club finished third in the EPL and won the Europa League.

This type of team success has followed the player throughout his career. He has held a key role in winning the World Cup, Euros, Champions League and the Europa League over the past few years.

Mata has come through when his squad needs him the most, and there is no question that Chelsea is a better team when he is on the pitch.

If Mourinho cannot find a role for him in his system, there is a problem with the system. A great coach works with what he has, and the Chelsea manager is fortunate enough to have one of the top midfielders in the league on his roster.

Selling him for any price would be an absolute mistake that is certain to cause regret.

According to Sky Sports, Mourinho claims that Mata will not be sold, saying, "He is very important for me and very important for Chelsea."

However, the words mean little if the actions do not back it up. The manager must find a way to get Mata on the pitch and make sure he is not sold in the remaining days before the transfer window closes.

Otherwise, this would end up being a huge setback in the club's hopes to win its first Premier League title since 2010.

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