Valencia hold firm on Mata

Arsenal appear to have blown their chances of signing Juan Mata for a reasonable price after Valencia coach Unai Emery said they would not sell their Spain starlet.

Last week the Gunners were in talks to sign the highly-rated young playmaker, who had a £22 million release clause in his contract that has since expired, meaning any club wanting him may now have to pay significantly more.

With Arsenal dragging their feet over this summer’s transfer targets – they have already reportedly seen a relatively low bid for Everton defender Phil Jagielka rejected – it seems another top player could be out of their reach with Emery insisting Mata would stay.

“Mata has gone through a process of doubts about his future,” Emery said after the 23-year-old scored Valencia’s first goal in a 2-1 friendly win over Hamburg.

“But now we all believe he will stay at Valencia.”

Arsenal were believed to be holding out for news about the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri before committing to an offer for Mata, with the midfield duo tipped to join Barcelona and Manchester City respectively.