Mata tells friend of Arsenal deal

Arsenal target Juan Mata has told friends that he expects to be playing at the Emirates stadium next year. It is understood that the Gunners are locked in talks with Valencia over a transfer fee.

Arsenal have already offered 18m GBP for the Spain international, but his club Valencia are looking for closer to 23m GBP.

But Mata remains confident that he will be a Gunners player next year, all that needs to be ironed out are the finer details of the deal.

Arsenal are expected to sell Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona for 40m GBP this summer and will use the cash to make a move for Mata certain.