Accoridng to Reports, Rafa Benitez’s Napoli have entered the ever growing race to sign Chelsea outcast Juan Mata.Italians’ representatives got in touch with the Londoners after the star’s Southampton sulk, joining a race that includes PSG, Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Arsenal and Man United.
Former Blues boss wants to end Juan Mata’s Chelsea misery and offer him a World Cup rescue at Napoli. This comes after Mata’s frustrations at his treatment under Jose Mourinho finally boiled over.
Less than 24 hours after Mata made his feelings clear after being substituted by Mourinho at Southampton, with the manager admitting the “door is open”, Napoli representatives have contacted Chelsea. The west Londoners insisted it was merely a query to ascertain his position and confirm he is not being discarded.
Mata inner circle are adamant he will not push for a move and that he will only leave this month if it is made clear he has no future at Stamford Bridge.
But Benitez, who made Mata the cornerstone of his Chelsea side last term, believes he can win the race to land the 25-year-old. Serie A rivals Juventus and Inter Milan, as well as French champions Paris Saint-Germain, are interested in the £30million-rated star. Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are interested too, but Chelsea will not allow Mata to join a Premier League rival.
Mourinho is expected to confirm on Friday that he is not seeking to sell the player, with the club maintaining there in no interest in allowing a loan departure. Mata’s Chelsea future appears increasingly uncertain and a significant bid from Napoli could bring matters to a head this month.