Latest reports claim that Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata’s father was present during yesterday’s champions league qualifier clash between Arsenal and Fenerbahce. Arsenal won the game 2-0 (5-0) and confirmed their participation in Europe’s elite competition for record breaking 16th time in a row. Juan Mata’s dad’s presence during the game will add more fuel to the rumors suggesting that Mata may be sold in this transfer window.
Even though Jose Mourinho stated that he has Mata in his plans for this season, rumors linking him with United and Arsenal are still surfacing on a daily basis. Mata’s absence from starting lineup during Chelsea’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford added further speculations surrounding the Spaniard’s future at Chelsea.
Here is one of the tweet (by Rob Harris, a sports reporter for The Associated Press), claiming about Mata’s dad’s presence at Emirates,
5live say Juan Mata’s dad in Arsenal directors’ box
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) August 27, 2013
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also revealed his admiration for Mata in an interview after the game,
Here is a part of that interview,
Reporter: Any interest in Juan Mata?
Wenger: I’ve heard, like you, that Juan Mata could be on the market. I don’t know.
Reporter: He’s obviously a player that you have liked a couple of years ago, isn’t he?
Wenger: Well, yes. (Cheeky look). I like him.
Reporter: Was his father invited as a guest of Arsenal tonight?
Wenger: I don’t know. (Cheeky smile). Maybe. (Cheeky smile continues).