Chelsea agree deal for Mata
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas last night edged closer towards addressing the club’s lack of midfield creativity after the club reached “an agreement in principle” with Valencia for Spain midfielder Juan Mata.
Villas-Boas targeted a new midfielder shortly after taking over at Stamford Bridge and Mata, who can play in the centre or on the left, will provide the youthful zest missing in recent months.
Neither club has disclosed the fee for the 23-year-old but both confirmed the transfer was subject to the player passing the relevant medical tests.
Chelsea’s statement read: “An agreement has been reached with Valencia CF for the transfer to Chelsea of midfielder Juan Manuel Mata.
“The move is now subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.”
Valencia’s statement was almost identical in wording.
Chelsea are not the only English club reported to have shown an interest in Mata, with north London rivals Arsenal and Spurs linked with a player who has flourished at the Mestalla after failing to make the breakthrough at Real Madrid.
Mata joined Valencia from Madrid in 2007 and has emerged as one of their most important players, his form earning him a regular place in the Spain squad.
He was a part of the party which won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and was also a key man this summer as Spain won the Under-21 European Championship in Denmark.
