Wenger has been given the go-ahead by Valencia to take Juan Mata to Arsenal

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Arsene Wenger has been given the go-ahead by Valencia to take Juan Mata to Arsenal. The Telegraph reports that the Spanish side have opened the door for Arsenal to make a firm offer for Mata, but adds that the Gunners boss will first settle the Cesc Fabregas saga once and for all before he makes a bid.
Valencia manager Unai Emery said: “Valencia has to be prepared for a footballer having to leave, either because is he is not wanted or because some big club wants to sign him.

“We want him to stay and Mata has also expressed his wish to remain at Valencia, but we know that if a big-money offer comes in from any club and it’s good for both the player and the club, it could lead to his exit.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Xavi has apologised to Arsenal for commenting on the Fabregas situation. Xavi claimed Fabregas had told him he was “suffering” because of his desire to join the Catalan club.
AW accused Xavi of being disrespectful, but the Spain international insists he did not mean to upset anyone. He said: “I’m sorry. My intention was not to offend Arsenal and Wenger.
“We know that Cesc has this desire to come and I said that he was suffering. But I don’t want to offend either Wenger or Arsenal. I was only looking out for the interests of Cesc and Barca. The controversy seems absurd to me. I don’t want to get into a war of words with Wenger.”
Bit late now, pal.
Staing qwith Cesc, the Independent reports that he won’t be on the flight to Germany today for the Cologne game and remains in limbo waiting to be told whether Barcelona have been successful in their efforts to sign him.

The paper adds that the same hamstring injury that prevented him from travelling to Asia tour month continues to be a problem. Funny that.

Elsehwere, the Mail says that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is furious after being fined two weeks wages for outspoken comments confirming his desire to leave Southampton. The paper adds that Arsenal will improve their £10million bid for the player – a £5m down payment with the rest in add-ons – by next week.