Arsenal remain the “favourite” club for Gabri Veiga to join from Celta Vigo, according to a report revealing the intentions of a new bidder from Serie A.
Veiga has risen to prominence with Celta this season and was La Liga’s player of the month for February. Thanks to his rapid development recently, he has become a target for numerous clubs. It seems almost impossible for Celta to keep him this summer.
A move to the Premier League is being pushed for the midfielder. In that regard, a recent report suggested that Manchester City are ready to blow rival suitors out of the water to sign him.
However, Veiga has also attracted the attention of Liverpool and Arsenal. Some reports have pointed towards the Gunners as his preferred choice of next club. And those claims have been backed up in an update by Faro de Vigo.
According to the Spanish source, Veiga wants to “fulfil” his “dream of signing for Arsenal”.
That’s despite Serie A leaders Napoli entering the equation with a willingness to meet his €40million (£35.2m) release clause.
Veiga is said to prefer Arsenal for three reasons. First, they are providing a platform for other young players in his age bracket. Second, their project under Veiga’s compatriot Mikel Arteta looks appealing. Finally, London would be an exciting place for the 20-year-old to live.
Therefore, Arsenal know they will have a good chance of winning the race for Veiga if they firm up their interest.
As things stand, though, they are only at the stage of having an interest in the Spaniard. They are yet to make any concrete plans to make offers to him and Celta.
In contrast, Napoli are perhaps the first genuine movers for Veiga. Yet despite the way they have captured the imagination in Serie A and the Champions League this season, they don’t seem to have the same appeal to the Arsenal target.
How would Gabri Veiga fit in at Arsenal?
If he does end up at the Emirates Stadium, Veiga might represent competition for club captain Martin Odegaard, who is another attack-minded central midfielder.
Arteta would have to work out if they could play alongside one another or if he would have to rotate between them. Obviously, Odegaard would be highest in the hierarchy due to his existing responsibility at the club.
With doubts over the future of Emile Smith Rowe, though, there could be a need for more creative midfielders at Arsenal next season. After how Veiga has been progressing in recent months, he could have some sort of impact.
With nine goals to his name from 25 La Liga appearances so far this season, he is already proving he can compete in a top tier.
He might have to be more patient at a club like Arsenal. But he would presumably still have a decent amount of faith from their staff.
Therefore, his preference for them is understandable. Only time will tell if he gets his wish.
