20 transfers that were hijacked by rival clubs: Part 2

Juan Mata: Joined Chelsea instead of Arsenal (2011)

Juan Mata was snapped up by Chelsea who offered much more than Arsenal

Back in 2011, Arsenal were still not ready to spend big as financing the stadium was still on the budget. But the Gunners were ready to break the club transfer record to sign Juan Mata from Valencia because they felt it was justified to spend so much money on a then 23-year-old midfielder.

Mata had previously won the U-21 World Cup with Spain and was seen as the ideal replacement for Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal were pretty much resigned to losing him to Barcelona and Mata was their contingency plan.

However, Chelsea soon stepped in with a £23.5m transfer fee and cash-strapped Valencia were only too happy to deal with them instead. Fernando Torres had also convinced Mata that Stamford Bridge was the ideal club for him.

Mata was given the no.10 shirt and he spent two-and-a-half seasons at the club, winning the Champions League and the club’s Player of the Year award twice.