Juan Mata Transfer to Arsenal: Arsene Wenger Confirms Interest In Chelsea Midfielder

Arsene Wenger is on the market for Juan Mata.

Goal.com reports that the Arsenal manager has interest in bringing the Spanish midfielder to play for the Gunners.

"I have heard, like you, that Juan Mata may be on the market," he told the press. "I like him [but] there is reluctance in England to sell to each other.

He added, "We are on the market - the whole world knows that now - but I can't be more creative than that because nothing has been concluded yet."

Wenger was heavily criticized for failing to make any signature moves throughout the summer transfer window. However, the manager has been after such high-profile targets as Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema.

Mata currently plays for Chelsea but has been relegated to the bench throughout the start of the season. Many have speculated that he is still injured but other reports hint at the possibility of Mourinho harboring an anti-Spanish sentiment. Those in the latter camp would have to explain Mourinho's trust in Spanish striker Fernando Torres to start the year.

Should Mata join Arsenal, he could become a second creative midfielder alongside fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla.

Arsenal is coming off a huge 2-0 win at home against Fenerbahce in the second leg of the Champions League playoffs. However, the team saw injuries to Aaron Ramsey, Lukas Podolski, and Jack Wilshere.

"Podolski will definitely be out for 21 days and we have to check on Ramsey's groin [on Wednesday]," Wenger noted. "Jack should be alright for Sunday and I'm hopeful on Aaron but I don't know how bad it is."