There is been universal confusion as to whether Arsenal ever bid for Juan Mata because it appears a deadline which would activate his £22m buyout clause has come and gone. Spurs seem to have gotten in first but their offer was rejected by the player who wants to play Champions League football.
What Spurs did was to poison the well with Valencia now demanding a sky high price for Mata prompting lots of chest beating by Gunner fans already angst ridden by the slow pace of transfers and the underwhelming pre-season performances.
Today, Mata's father who acts as his representative confirmed that there was indeed a bid which had fallen short of Valencia's valuation. He also said he expected Arsenal to come back with a new offer.
" Valencia simply rejected their offer. After some hesitation they answered 'no' to the Gunners' offer. So my son remains a Valencia player, for now. But I don't think it's their last offer."
"There are several offers for Mata and I think that Arsenal will come forward again. The situation is still evolving."
There will be money in the till to pay for Mata when the Cesc Fabregas transfer mercifully comes to a close this week. There is a report that Sandro Rosell cut his USA tour short to come back to Barca for this unfinished business. A new bid of £35m will be tabled closer to Arsenal's demand for £40m. Fabregas will put the pressure on by filming a videotape thanking the fans for his time spent as a Gunner. At this point one has just to look at Fabregas to realize the emotional toll on him. He looks like he's not slept for days and needs a week off in a yogic ashram. At this point a matter of a few million should not be a dealbreaker. Set him free.
Kev, Cesc will probably come off the bench with the result in no doubt, get minutes if Xavi gets injured, and play Copa Del Rey matches. Should be a fair amount of exposure and within two/three years be ready to take over once Xavi calls it a day.
How much playing time will Cesc get at Barca? More in the coming years I guess as Xavi ages.