Arsenal will have to move fast on record offer for Valencia's Mata
Barcelona and Manchester City are also interested in the young Spanish midfielder
London: Arsenal have made a club record £18 million (Dh105.77 million) bid for Valencia midfielder Juan Mata as boss Arsene Wenger finally opened his chequebook.
Club officials spoke to the 23 year old's agent and father — also Juan — with Mata happy to discuss his future following success with Spain at the Under 21 European Championship. Skilful Mata, part of Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad, can play centrally or on the left wing.
But Wenger may have to act fast to head off Barcelona and Manchester City — who are also vying with Chelsea to sign Udinese and Chile winger Alexis Sanchez — and Liverpool.
Wenger must be alarmed that Inter Milan last night moved to hijack Arsenal's move for Argentinian playmaker Ricky Alvarez.
The Gunners want the £12 million-rated Velez Sarsfield midfielder, with Cesc Fabregas's possible return to Barca on the cards.
Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley was in Argentina earlier this month to seal a deal for Alvarez, 23, but found difficulty striking an agreement with the player's advisers. Now new Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini has tabled an official bid.
— Daily Mail
