Wenger rules out Mata transfer

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told fans that the club will not be signing long-term target Juan Mata from Valencia this summer.

The Frenchman also moved to warn his players that the transfer speculation surrounding both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri is no excuse for a sub-standard performance in their Premier League opener against Newcastle.

The Gunners have been linked to a move for 23-year-old Mata as a potential replacement for Gabregas and Nasri, but Wenger said the Spaniard would not be playing at the Emirates this season.

“We will not do a deal for Juan Mata,” Wenger said. “I don’t have to give a reason, we will not do it.”

But he claimed the club are looking for the central defender that so many of their supporters are asking for.

“We will have a new centre-back by the end of the transfer window – because Vermaelen only played five games last year,” he continued.

“To buy just for the sake of buying, you won’t find me there.”

“If I’m convinced the player has the qualities, I will always do it if he’s better than the players we have.”

Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ first game of the new 2011-12 Premier League season, the Arsenal manager was also quick to point out that the transfer sagas surrounding the club at the present time are not to be used as excuses by his players for any poor showings.

“It does not stop any of our players from making a good pass once you are on the pitch,” Wenger said. “When you are on the pitch, you play to win.”

“I have seen much more difficult ¬circumstances – people who lost their parents and are playing the next day and being the best man on the pitch.”

“You cannot say you are a top player and yet be disturbed because there is a transfer market happening. It’s a joke.”

Spain international Mata has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs but his 25-million-euro release clause expired at the start of August, meaning he would now likely cost even more.