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.
![Mata Chelsea Arsenal](http://www.soccersouls.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1003486-16281919-640-360.jpg)
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).