Arsenal boss Unai Emery is eyeing Manchester United attacker Juan Mata.

The Daily Star says the Spain midfielder, 30, was a star of the Valencia side managed by current Gunners chief Emery from 2008 and 2011.

And having so far refused to extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond this season – despite the club's best efforts to persuade him to sign a new deal – Mata could prove an irresistible bargain to his old coach.

Emery remains a big admirer of the United playmaker, who left Valencia for Chelsea in a £37.1million switch seven years ago – and he is monitoring his situation and form closely.

Whether he swoops in the summer will depend if he feels his Arsenal side, who travel to Crystal Palace today bidding for a 12th win in a row, needs more experience.