Mata happy to stay

The Spain international, who stepped down to help the Under-21s win the European Championships this summer, has been linked with a £23 million move to Emirates Stadium given the uncertainty surrounding Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Valencia coach Unai Emery said on Thursday that Mata could leave the club if an acceptable offer arrives, but the says he is keen to remain in La Liga.

"I have never said I want to leave," Mata is quoted as saying by Marca.

"From here to August 31 if there are any offers then the first to know about it will be the club. I never said I wasn’t happy here.

"There’s no point speaking about suppositions. I like to talk about realities. I am very relaxed because if there is anything, the club will assess it.

"For me, isolating myself is no problem. I already went through it at the World Cup and at the European Under-21 Championship.

"I know the boss said something yesterday, but I am not aware of any offer having arrived."