Arsenal are considering a move for Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata on a free transfer, with Unai Emery a ‘big admirer’, according to reports.

The Daily Star write that the United man could prove an ‘irresistible bargain’ for Arsenal. The 30-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the Gunners have shown they’re willing to snap up players on free transfers recently, with the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Stephan Lichtsteiner joining.

Mata’s contract was initially supposed to come to an end last summer, but United activated a one-year extension clause. This time around they don’t have that option.

Emery is reportedly particularly fond of signing Mata, having coached the midfielder for three years at Valencia. Clearly, the Arsenal head coach knew how to get the best out of the Spaniard, considering his performances earned him a big-money move to Chelsea.

After a slow start to the season, Mata is finding his way into the United starting XI more regularly nowadays. He started each of their last four games, including key matches against Chelsea and Juventus.

With Aaron Ramsey seemingly on the way out, Arsenal could use a bit more creativity in the middle. Whether Mata is the man to provide that, we’ll have to wait and see.