Juan Mata: Arsenal, Manchester United, and 4 Other Clubs Aiming to Land the Star

Unai Emery, the current Valencia manager, has recently said that his squad "has to be prepared for a footballer having to leave, either because is he is not wanted or because some big club wants to sign him."

Emery went on to say “we want him to stay and Mata has also expressed his wish to remain at Valencia, but we know that if a big-money offer comes in from any club and it’s good for both the player and the club, it could lead to his exit.”

This statement has caught the attention of a number of of level European clubs in search the Spanish wing magician Juan Manuel Mata.

Arsenal

Towards the end of June, a number of sources, including ESPN and Daily Mail reported the Gunners had made an £18 million bid for the Valencia winger.

Said bid was regretted and a follow-up bid has yet to be made as Arsenal are reported to be waiting on a move by Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas.

Manchester United

According to Daily Mail, while talks with Inter Milan over the transfer of Wesley Sneijder carry on, the Red Devils have joined in the race for Mata's signature.

A bid has yet to be made and competition looks stiff. With the purchase of versatile winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa, Manchester United's interest does not appear to be anything but "interest". 

Inter Milan

According to Metro, Inter Milan are planning to out bid their North London rivals. The Nerazzurri had a £13 million bid rejected by the Spanish side earlier in the transfer window.

Now, after the purchase of former Velez Sarsfield midfielder Ricardo Alvarez, Inter are preparing an improved bid for Mata.

Tottenham

According to Daily Mail, the uncertain future of Croatian Midfielder Luka Modric has prompted the North London club to begin a chase for £21 million-rated Mata.

With Arsenal opening negotiations, Tottenham have admitted they will have to fend off other English clubs to get Mata to White Heart Lane.

Liverpool

According to The Mirror,  Liverpool have turned their attention to the popular Mata after having a £13 million and a £15 million bid for Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing rejected.

Caught Offside reported earlier in June that Liverpool were readying to make a £22 million bid and were willing to meet Valencia's asking price of £21 million. Nothing materialized and since then, the Merseyside club have appeared to turn their attention to other targets while keeping one eye on Mata.

Manchester City

Before finally ending up at Barcelona, Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez was being tracked by Manchester City. After being told £44 million by the Italians for the Chilean's signature, Manchester City turned to the Valencia man.

According to The Mirror, Roberto Mancini was considering a £20 million bid but was warned off any type of negotiation by the La Liga outfit.