Juan Mata
Valencia midfielder Mata is expected to join Arsenal for an initial £13.5m. REUTERS

Arsenal are confident of completing the £17.5m signing of Valencia midfielder Juan Mata before this weekend's Emirates Cup, paving the way for Cesc Fabregas to complete his move to Barcelona.

Mata, a left-sided attacker, will cost an initial £13m, rising to £17.5m. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the Spain international but Arsenal do not expect any unforseen problems, with Mata eager to play Champions League football.

"From what we have spoken about internally and what we have spoken about with the footballer, the idea is that he continues [with us], but it could be that, in a given moment, economic and sporting situations for the player mean that he may leave," said Valencia manager Unai Emery.

The Spaniard's arrival should clear the way for fellow countryman Fabregas to join Barcelona.

Arsene Wenger is understood to be disappointed with his captain's behaviour since returning from a summer break and the Spaniard is currently not training with the Arsenal first team.

Fabregas remains keen on a move to Barca but the European champions are yet to meet Arsenal's £40m valuation. Further talks are expected in the next 48 hours.

A new centre-back and striker are also a priority, with Wenger keen to bolster the current squad before the first game of the season against Newcastle on 13 August.

After failing last week with a bid for Everton's Phil Jagielka, Wenger is now considering a move for Blackburn captain Chris Samba after the 27-year-old expressed his desire to play in Europe.

"I want to play Champions League football. Which player doesn't dream of that?" he told the Sun.

"I don't know what is happening with Arsenal because I am not dealing with it and it's not my problem.

"At the moment I am still at Blackburn but it would be a big lie if I told you'everything is good and I don't want to play in the Champions League'."

Wenger is also keen to bring in another forward, with concerns over Robin van Persie's long-term fitness.

Reports in this morning's papers link the Frenchman with a £25m move for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema and an approach for Lille's Eden Hazard.

Benzema, 23, has struggled to hold down a first-team place under Jose Mourinho and the Los Blancos boss is keen to offload the France international as they prepare a move for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.

Real Madrid