Chelsea are set to sign Valencia star Juan Mata after the Spanish side said in a statement that a deal has been agreed in principle.

The deal can be regarded as Chelsea's first major signing of the summer, although it is subject to a medical on Monday. Reports suggest the 23-year-old is joining the Stamford Bridge side for £23.5m.

A statement on the Valencia website read, Valencia has reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea for the transfer of the player Juan Mata. The agreement is subject to the relevant medical tests.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, after their 2-1 win against West Brom, had said He can add to any squad in the world, when asked about Mata.

He has been at Valencia since 2007 and as recently rose to prominence after captaining Spain to the Under-21 European Championship in the summer. He was also a part of Spain's World cup winning squad in 2010.

Arsenal and Tottenham were also linked to the player, but Chelsea have won the race to sign a player who will be crucial in adding creativity to a sluggish side.

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