Gunners in Mata chase

Arsenal have opened talks over signing Spanish u21 star Juan Mata, reports the Daily Mail.

The Mail claims Arsene Wenger is ready to splash the cash and has identified Mata as his main summer signing by submitting a club record £18m bid for the player.

It seems Arsenal officials have already opened talks with the players father and agent over a move and it would be seen as a major coup should he seal the deal.

Mata, who can play on the left or centre of midfield, is being tracked by clubs all over Europe including Liverpool and Barcelona. He was part of Spain u21 side that just won the European Championships and some are suggestion he could be the replacement for Cesc Fabregas who seems destined to move to Barcelona.