Friday, 20th September, 2013
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has denied that the French champions tried to buy Juan Mata from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, but confirmed talks did take place for Mesut Ozil.
There was much speculation suggesting Mata could make a last minute move to PSG, given his lack of playing time under Jose Mourinho and a widespread impression he was available for transfer, which even Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said had reached his ears.
But Blanc says Mata was not on PSG's agenda, although the story is a different one from Ozil, a player Arsenal ended up buying from Real Madrid for €50m on a hectic transfer deadline day.
Asked by French radio station RMC about moves for Mata and Ozil, Blanc replied: "To my knowledge, the only negotiations there have been were those for Ozil."
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Despite PSG not signing either Ozil or Mata this summer, the French champions did splash the cash once again.
Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani was the star arrival, landing from Napoli for a fee of €64.5m.
19-year-old Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos also signed, costing a substantial €32m to buy from Roma.
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