Arsenal are “vying” with Chelsea and Tottenham for the signature of Celta Vigo attacking midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to Le 10 Sport.
The French publication claims that the three Premier League clubs are weighing up bids for the Spanish Under 21 international, but they won’t face competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
While the Ligue One champions have also been heavily linked with Veiga in recent weeks, it is believed that they are not interested in signing him at the moment.
Veiga had a breakout season for Celta, scoring 11 goals for the La Liga club, but he does have a release clause which means any team can snap him up for €40m (£34m) this summer.
Considering Veiga’s age and form, it is not a surprise that so many teams, including the Gunners, are keen on making a move for the midfielder.
The player has a big fan in Carlo Ancelotti
Before Celta faced Real Madrid in a league match back in April, manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the 21-year-old and the Italian was fulsome in his praise:
“I like him, he is an excellent player who has something special.”
Real have also been credited with an interest in Veiga over recent weeks, but their decision to buy Jude Bellingham pretty much ended their attempts to sign the Celta star.
Do Arsenal need a player like Veiga?
While the midfielder is clearly talented, he is very much a no.10 and you would struggle to see where he would fit into Mikel Arteta’s team.
Captain Martin Odegaard is the man in possession of the jersey, having been in outstanding form over the course of last campaign, helping to marshal the Gunners’ title challenge.
Fabio Vieira was also brought in from Porto at the start of last season and, while he didn’t have a particularly great first year, the Portuguese international is expected to remain at the Emirates.
Kai Havertz has recently joined from Chelsea and the German international can be deployed in similar positions to Veiga. With Emile Smith Rowe expected to stay as well, there simply isn’t any room for another playmaker.
If Veiga does end up making a move to the Premier League this summer, it is unlikely that he will be wearing an Arsenal shirt. Things could, of course, change over the next few weeks but you would have to think that the Gunners’ focus will be strengthening other areas of the pitch.