Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Samuel Carreño/ PX Images / REUTERS/David Klein
Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Premier League, La Liga, Celta Vigo, Transfers
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Premier League, La Liga, Celta Vigo, Transfers
Arsenal transfer target Gabri Veiga is reportedly 'dreaming' of joining the Gunners this summer - in a major blow to Manchester United, Liverpool and other interested clubs.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, who plays for Celta Vigo, has hugely impressed in La Liga this term. He has netted nine goals and provided three assists in 25 appearances.
His performances have earned him La Liga's player of the month award for February, which has led to huge interest in his services, including from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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Veiga's release clause stands at €40 million - a fee that appears relatively small for a player of undoubted huge ability and potential.
Last week, Celta's president admitted in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that he did not want to lose the midfielder, and that the club would not negotiate a lower fee with any interested party.
He explained: "We do not want to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us. And we can't do anything about it.
"We know some of their offers and it's impossible for us to match them."
Two of the other interested clubs are believed to be United and Liverpool, with respective bosses Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp keen to add to their squads this summer.
But a new report from Spain claims that Veiga may prefer a move elsewhere instead.
According to local outlet Faro de Vigo (as per The Sun), the 20-year-old is 'dreaming' about a future move to current Premier League leaders Arsenal.
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The Gunners, managed by Veiga's compatriot Mikel Arteta, reportedly hold an advantage over other clubs interested in signing the midfielder for two key reasons.
One of those is said to be the sporting project led by Arteta, as well as the club's commitment to developing and giving opportunities to young players.
Furthermore, it is claimed that Veiga is interested in living in London.
But the Celta starlet has recently been warned by team-mate - and former Liverpool striker - Iago Aspas about a move away from the club this summer.
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Aspas, a consistently prolific goalscorer in La Liga, failed to score a Premier League goal during a forgettable spell at Anfield in the 2013/14 season. He has urged Veiga to wait until next season, when he could have his pick of clubs to join, before considering a move away from Celta.
He told AS: "What I recommend to Gabri ... is that he stay at Celta for at least one more season. Next season is Celta's centenary. And I would like Gabri Veiga to stay with us.
"Then, he will be able to choose to play wherever he wants, because his potential is fantastic."