Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hits out at Juan Mata move, saying 'in fairness, this should not happen'

MANCHESTER United's deal for Juan Mata is likely to be completed this weekend, but not everyone is happy about the move.

Juan Mata's move north doesn't meet with everyone's approval.

MANCHESTER United's club-record deal for Juan Mata is likely to be completed on Saturday morning (EDT), but not everyone is happy about the move.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed Mata's possible move to United lacks 'fairness'.

Wenger believes it is unfair that Chelsea are selling Mata to United, particularly as the two clubs have played each other twice in the Premier League this season.

"I am surprised. Juan Mata is a great player and they sell a great player to a direct opponent," Wenger said.

News_Image_File: Arsene Wenger says transfer is not fair.

"Chelsea have already played twice against Man United, they could have sold him last week.

"I think if you want to respect the fairness for everybody, this should not happen.

"I can understand completely what Chelsea are doing, and they do not make the rules, but maybe the rules should be a bit more adapted for fairness."

Arsenal, who are two points ahead of third-placed Chelsea, could face Mata when United travel to the Emirates Stadium on February 12.

Meanwhile, sources understand a central Manchester hospital is waiting to carry out a medical on Mata, who has told Chelsea team-mates his departure is imminent.

Chelsea announced on Friday morning (EDT) they have secured a replacement in the shape of Basel's attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah, and the Mata transfer is now expected to proceed without a hitch.

News_Rich_Media: Fox Sports European correspondent Daniel Garb says the sale of Juan Mata to Manchester United by Chelsea may be a move to purposely strengthen United now that they are out of the EPL title race.

United will reportedly hand over $A70 million for the Spain international, far exceeding the $A58m they are thought to have spent on Dimitar Berbatov in 2008.

The fee also represents a hefty profit for Chelsea on a player they signed for $A45m from Valencia in 2011.

Mata was named Chelsea's player of the year in each of the past two seasons but has been reduced to a bit-part role since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge.

A move to Old Trafford represents the chance of more regular football ahead of Spain's World Cup defence in Brazil this summer.