Tottenham Hotspur last night sought to beat Arsenal to the signing of the Valencia forward Juan Mata by tabling a bid worth close to €25m (£22m). Arsenal, whose manager, Arsène Wenger, admitted that Mata is a player he likes, remain the favourites to sign the 23-year-old but are yet to make a formal bid. Initial talks have suggested that Arsenal would offer less than Spurs, at least to begin with.

Mata's preference is to join Arsenal but, with Harry Redknapp making little secret of his pursuit of attacking players over the past six months, Spurs are seeking to force Valencia's hand and bring pressure to bear on the player. Mata's camp, though, is awaiting definitive movement from Arsenal. That may yet depend on the departure of Cesc Fábregas. Sources at Barcelona said they are cautiously optimistic about signing the midfielder – and that it was him or no one.

Mata, whose contract allows him to depart Valencia for €21m before 1 August, is open to a move to the Premier League. He already speaks a little English. Valencia, too, are keen to sell, with the sporting director, Braulio Vázquez, admitting: "We are ready if [Mata] does depart." The Spanish club's huge debt requires the annual sale of key players and Mata looks set to follow the footsteps of David Villa and David Silva to the exit.

According to an agreement reached when Mata last renewed his contract, Valencia are obliged to sell to a foreign club that matches the €21m bar before Monday. Spurs have made an offer that exceeds that minimum fee in order to strengthen their hand.