Pranav Nair
Italian trio keen on Manchester United star Juan Mata
According to The Sun, Manchester United star Juan Mata has found a number of takers keen on securing his services in the summer window.
The 32-year-old joined the club from Chelsea in January 2014. He has since made 267 appearances for the club, scoring 50 goals and assisting 47. (h/t Transfermarkt)
However, as he ages, his influence on the team has waned. Mata is not a regular in the United matchday squad anymore and has so far made just 12 appearances this season. Of these, just eight have come from the start. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The Spaniard’s contract at United expires next summer. While the club does have the option to extend his deal by 12 months, it remains to be seen if they will choose to do so.
Mata has no shortage of suitors, with the likes of Juventus, AS Roma and Inter Milan all keen on signing him. While he is happy at United, his wish to play regularly may not be realized at Old Trafford.
Of the Serie A trio, Inter appear to be the ones showing the most interest. The other two sides are expected to make a move if the player becomes available as a free agent in June.
Frees up wage bill
Inter have signed a number of United players in the recent past. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and Ashley Young have all enjoyed varying levels of success at the San Siro.
Mata is one of United’s highest earners and it makes little sense for the club to pay him that sort of money given his diminishing stature.
Letting him go would free up space on our wage bill for summer acquisitions who could play more of a role in the coming years. What United decide to do remains to be seen.
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Mata has been a loyal servant to United and has scored a number of key goals for us over the years. Hopefully, his time at the club will come to an end on a high note by winning a trophy.
The Spaniard could also be on the move to either the Middle East or to Spain. As things stand, it may very well be his last season as a United player.
