Report: Unai Emery Considering Move for Manchester United's Juan Mata

Arsenal manager Unai Emery is reportedly considering a move for Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata.

Emery is a big fan of Mata, whom he managed for three seasons while at Valencia, and is "monitoring his situation and form closely," according to Harry Pratt at the Daily Star.

Mata will be available on a free transfer next summer when his Manchester United contract expires and has so far refused all offers of a new deal, per the report.    

Mata is a popular figure at Manchester United, but he's not a guaranteed starter under manager Jose Mourinho.

He's made four Premier League starts this season, contributing one goal and one assist.

The 30-year-old has most often been used on the right flank under Mourinho but lacks the pace to be a genuine winger.

The Spaniard's favoured position is as a No.10, and he shone in that role in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea:

Football writer Liam Canning said he should play there more often:

Mata is more effective in a central position than out on the wing, but he's been unable to cement a regular spot as a No. 10 under Mourinho at Manchester United.

The club have plenty of other options, including Alexis Sanchez and Jesse Lingard, meaning competition for places is fierce at Old Trafford.

Mata will turn 31 in April and will understandably be considering his options as he heads toward the end of his career.

He may opt to leave Manchester United if he feels he will not see enough game time, and if he does fail to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, he will be an attractive option as a free agent.

Mata will know Emery well from their time together at Valencia, where they finished third in consecutive seasons before the midfielder left for Chelsea in 2011.

Arsenal could be in the market for midfielder reinforcements in the summer. Aaron Ramsey is expected to walk away for free after seeing a contract extension withdrawn, per David Hytner at the Guardian.

Mata's future at Manchester United may depend on how often he features between now and the end of the season. A move to Arsenal may appeal, but there's no guarantee he will play more regularly at the Gunners.