Wenger coy on Mata

LONDON. — Jose Mourinho has quashed Arsenal’s hopes of signing Juan Mata by claiming the player was simply rested for the goalless draw against Manchester United. The Spanish midfielder was omitted from the Blues’ starting line-up for the first game of the season, and again sat on the bench at Old Trafford on Monday night, prompting speculation he could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted he had been alerted by the situation after Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Fenerbahce, but Mourinho insists Mata is going nowhere.

Despite reportedly being on the verge of sealing a deal for Porto winger Christian Atsu, as well as Willian of Anzhi, who both play in Mata’s position, Mourinho said: “There is no chance Juan goes.

“He had a very small pre-season after the Confederations Cup. And during that pre-season he was injured.
‘He started training two days before we played the first league match.

“He played against Aston Villa and I decided to put him on the bench against United.”
Arsenal manager Wenger had expressed admiration for Mata, but he was reluctant to reveal the extent of the club’s interest in the Chelsea midfielder.

Mata’s father and agent, also called Juan, was reportedly in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, when Arsenal beat Fenerbahce 2-0 to complete a 5-0 aggregate win in their Champions League soccer play-off tie.

Mata was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw at Manchester United on Monday, sparking media speculation about his status at Stamford Bridge, and Wenger admitted he was a fan of the Spain international.

“I’ve heard like you, because I watched the game last night (on Monday), that Juan Mata could be on the market,” Wenger told journalists.
“I don’t know. There is always a reluctance in England to sell to each other. Yes, I like him.”

However, when asked if Mata’s father had attended the game against Fenerbahce as a guest of the club, Wenger replied in enigmatic fashion, saying: “No. I don’t know. Maybe.”

He was even less willing to discuss a possible bid for United striker Wayne Rooney, with whom Arsenal were linked earlier in the transfer window.
“We cannot speak about players who are under contract with other clubs,” Wenger said.

“Because when a player is under contract in another club, he has to respect the contract. So if you want to buy the player, you have to speak to the club first.”

Arsenal’s need for new signings has further intensified, with Lukas Podolski, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey all suffering injuries in Tuesday night’s bruising Champions League play-off victory against Fenerbahce.

Many of Arsenal’s fans are desperate for Wenger to invest in new players, after mooted moves for Rooney, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and new Napoli signing Gonzalo Higuain failed to materialise.

Arsenal’s apparent need for new blood was exacerbated on Tuesday night when Podolski had to go off against Fenerbahce with a hamstring injury, while Ramsey and Wilshere also sustained knocks. — AFP-Metro.