Barcelona are considering a move to sign Chelsea star Juan Mata during the summer transfer window, according to Tutto Mercato Web. The 25-year-old has been a key player for the Blues since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2011 and has scored 20 goals, managed 28 assists in all competition this season.

Juan Mata
Reuters

The Spanish international's impressive performance with the west London club has seen him being named the Player of the Year for the second year in a row. The Spanish champions have now set their eyes on bringing the former Valencia midfielder to Camp Nou in the summer.

Barcelona has already agreed terms to sign Brazilian star Neymar and are considering strengthening their attacking division for the new season. The report claims Tito Vilanova is impressed by Mata's versatile style of play of either playing out on the wide or as an attacking player in the middle.

The Catalan club's manager is keen on strengthening his side's attacking division for the new season, after losing 7-0 to Bayern Munich over the two-legged Champions League semi-final tie.

Mata signed a contract extension with the Europa League winners late last year, which will keep him at the club till 2018. However, a move for Chelsea's star player will not come cheap for Barcelona, who have to spend top bucks to land the Spaniard.

Benitez: Chelsea Will be Better Next Season

Rafael Benitez
Reuters

Meanwhile, Chelsea's outgoing manager Rafael Benitez believes the Blues squad will be better for the new season and the team had improved during his spell at Stamford Bridge. The former Liverpool boss took over the role at the west London club after the club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich showed the exit door for their Champions League winning manager Roberto Di Matteo.

"They've grown [this year] and they will be much better next season. They have more experience and you can see the team was improving. Always in football you win trophies at the end of the season. You cannot win them in the first month with a new team. You have to be patient but, in football, that's more difficult," Benitez explained.

Chelsea won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League after finishing third in the recently concluded season.

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