Arsenal manager wants Manchester United midfielder on a free

Arsenal manager Unai Emery could reportedly lodge an attempt to sign Juan Mata from Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Spain international has been with the Red Devils for nearly five years but he has not quite made the same impression as at former club Chelsea.

Despite this, United boss Jose Mourinho has preferred to utilise the Spaniard every now and then but his future remains a concern with his contract expiring in eight months' time.

According to The Star, the Gunners could consider an attempt to sign Mata on a Bosman next summer with Emery said to be a huge admirer of the Spaniard since their days working together at Valencia.

Regardless of the speculation, United are said to be making some progress in terms of extending the midfielder's contract with a meeting scheduled with his representative this month.

Mata has netted a single goal for Manchester United since the current season started and that came during the epic 3-2 comeback win over Newcastle United earlier in the month.