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Arsenal could offer Juan Mata a surprise escape route from Chelsea, reports The Sunday People.

Sunday People Sport can reveal the Blues have told new signing Willian he will make up a first-choice attacking midfield trio with Eden Hazard and Oscar.

And that leaves Spanish ­international Mata as a bit-part player.

Arsenal want to prove their ambition – and, with Champions League football virtually guaranteed, the board feel they are now in a better negotiating position.

Arsene Wenger was in pole position to sign Mata from Valencia in 2011 until Chelsea nabbed him with a £23.5m package.

Mata, 25, has become a key player at the Bridge over the past two seasons. Boss Jose Mourinho has insisted publicly that Mata is a player he does not want to lose but he does not see him as a regular starter and that is unlikely to satisfy one of Europe’s most creative players.

Manchester United have been linked with a move, while Spurs are also understood to be watching Mata’s situation.

But Arsenal believe they could provide the best option if he wishes to stay in London.

Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye and Sevilla’s French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia are high on Wenger’s transfer agenda.

And Swansea’s Ashley Williams and Michu are also possible additions – although the Welsh club are adamant they would knock back any late bids.