Despite coming off a tremendous season in 2012-13, Juan Mata could be on the move.
The Spanish star has not factored into Chelsea's first few games under Jose Mourinho, giving rise to speculation that the Portuguese coach could be looking to move Mata.
One club that has been rumored as a target for Mata is Atletico Madrid. Los Colchoneros have started off the 2013-14 season as one of the top Spanish sides in the league. The team dispatched Sevilla 3-1 in its opener before taking down Rayo Vallecano 5-0 in the follow-up game. In between, the team drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the opening leg of the Spanish Super Cup 2013.
When asked about Mata coming to his club, Madrid coach Diego Simeone was reserved.
"You are all very well informed, and know lots of things that I have not told you. We will keep working in these last days of the market -- we hope more coming in than going out," he said, according to ESPN.The publication als noted that the move could be on a loan basis, meaning that Chelsea would retain Mata's rights.
Another rumored deal was a straight swap between Chelsea and Manchester United. Mourinho has been open about his desire to land Wayne Rooney and rumors indicate that Manchester United could be interested in Juan Mata.
However, Mourinho did not rule out the possibility of the swap when asked by reporters.
"That's hypothetical, because they didn't ask," he said about a Mata for Rooney trade, according to Metro. "The two answers we got from Man United is 'we don't accept the bid,''we're not interested in selling the player.'"
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
