The transfer window for all of Europe’s big five leagues is closed, but that doesn’t stop Transfer Talk from rummaging around to find out who will be moving where come January.
TOP STORY: Mata to leave United for Arsenal
Jose Mourinho chased Juan Mata out of Chelsea in 2014, and their relationship has only marginally improved since The Special One followed his former charge to Manchester United. So, with the 30-year-old out of contract in the summer, he’s set to return to a trusted former manager.
TalkSport reports that Mata will join Arsenal on a free transfer this summer, where he will reunite with manager Unai Emery, who he worked under for three seasons at Valencia. It was at the Mestalla that Mata first broke into the Spain team, and parlayed his fine form into a move to West London.
And now it seems he’s set to return to the English capital, this time swapping West London for North.
With Henrikh Mkhitaryan underperforming since his own move from Old Trafford to Arsenal, Emery could be on the look out for a new midfield maestro, and a reunion with Mata could be just what he needs.
Pereyra flattered by Chelsea interest
The Sun reports that Maurizio Sarri has taken an interest in Watford midfielder Roberto Pereyra, and the Argentine would be all too eager to join the Italian’s Chelsea project.
Pereyra’s five goals in 10 Premier League appearances this season is the same as he netted all of last term, and his goal-scoring form has him dreaming of a move to West London.
“Now I hope to keep going like I am now, with a club like Chelsea mentioned,” he’s quoted as saying in the Sun. “It’s nice that you talk about a team that is so fond of me.”
Benatia ready to leave Juve for Milan
Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia is apparently unhappy with his playing time at the Old Lady, which has the Morocco international eyeing an exit.
AC Milan are interested in bringing in Benatia on a loan in January, according to Calciomerato citing Sport Mediaset, with an €15 million obligation to purchase the player next summer.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are other sides that have reportedly monitoring Benatia’s situation in Turin.
Tap-ins
– The Express cites Belgian outlet Het Belong van Limburg as reporting that Nice manager Patrick Vieira hopes to entice Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to swap the bench at Anfield for a starting berth at Nice.
– Denis Suarez has fallen out of favor at Barcelona, but Marca reports that the young Spaniard has a trio of suitors: Chelsea, Napoli and Valencia.
– Paraguayan teenage sensation Fernando Olevar caused quite the stir when he scored for Cerro Porteno against Olympia in the country’s biggest derby last month. Now the 14-year-old goal scorer (yes, that’s right) is apparently a target for Manchester City, the Mirror says.