Rumour: Bayern Munich eye Chelsea’s Juan Mata

Juan Mata has been linked with a move to European champions Bayern Munich, as his future at Chelsea continues to be clouded, the Mirror report.

Mata has endured a fraught relationship with Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese tactician took over in the summer, despite having been the club’s player of the year the previous two seasons.

The Spanish schemer has grown frustrated with his lack of playing time as he has struggled to adapt to Mourinho’s preferred style of play.

Bayern are reportedly looking to take advantage of that disharmony and hope to bring the playmaker to Germany in the summer, though they are not interested in making any moves in January, with Mata cup-tied in Europe for the season having featured in Chelsea’s Champions’ League campaign.

Mourinho is aware of Mata’s abilities enough to refuse any sale to a Premier League rival and while his relationship with Pep Guardiola has not always been the greatest following their time in charge of Barcelona and Real Madrid, he could be prepared to sanction Mata’s move to the Allianz Arena.

Mata could still exit Stamford Bridge before January as Atletico Madrid have lined up a potential loan deal, with the Spaniard being aware that he needs regular game time to ensure he makes Spain’s World Cup squad for Brazil in the summer.

What will Chelsea miss by letting Mata go?

Mata has been restricted to 13 appearances for the Blues this season, having only played the full 90 on two occasions in the Premier League.

Despite that, Mata has still created 30 chances, with only Eden Hazard having created more, while he has also completed 61% of his take-on attempts.

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