Tottenham Eye Arsenal's Midfield Target After Missing Out on Willian - Report

Tottenham are considering an approach in signing Chelsea midfielder and Arsenal target Juan Mata, according to the Daily Mail. The Gunners are interested in signing the Spain international as Arsene Wenger looks to bring in high-profile players before transfer deadline day.

The Blues signed Willian from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in a £30m deal last weekend. He completed his medical at Spurs and was on the verge of joining the north London club before completing his switch to Stamford Bridge.

The report claims the arrival of the Brazil international at the west London side could have an impact on Mata's role at Chelsea. Spurs are destined to lose their star player Gareth bale, who has been linked with a move to long time admirers Real Madrid, with one more club now joining the race.

Bale has been subjected to a world-record transfer fee to Madrid and the possible sale of the Welshman could see Spurs left with a huge amount of money to spend in the market. Andre Villas-Boas lost out on signing Willian and has set his sights on Mata, who he signed for Chelsea from Valencia while at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old has started only one out of the three games played this season, where he was substituted after an hour mark against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, he was an unused substitute during his side's goalless draw against Manchester United on Monday.

The same report also claims Atletico Madrid are also believed in the race in signing Mata, but are interested in a loan approach. However, Chelsea are keen on retaining the Spaniard, who has been their Player of the Season for the last two years.

Jose Mourinho has more options in the midfield position during the team selection. Despite adding Willian to the already long list of players, the former Madrid boss has reiterated his desire to keep Mata at the club.

"It is a crucial department for us. It is crucial because of the game we want to play and the intensity we want to have. We need alternatives and rotation and we need players to keep that intensity and that dynamic," Mourinho said.

"When this time arrives, 22 players is not a big squad and when you can add more quality it is not a problem. It's a solution. A problem is for the managers without enough quality in their team," he added.