Celta Vigo may find it difficult to retain Gabri Veiga as Premier League trio Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United chase the Spain U21 international, La Liga expert Terry Gibson says on El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
No fewer than four Celta players were included in the preliminary squad for Spain’s international clashes this month; new La Roja coach Luis de la Fuente obviously taking a liking to the talent on offer at the Balaidos.
But if Unai Nunez, Javi Galan and veteran Iago Aspas were surprise call-ups, you cannot really say the same of Veiga.
No midfielder in La Liga has more than his eight goals so far in 2022/23; the 20-year-old netting twice against Real Valladolid last time out in trademark fashion, firing home after finding a pocket of space in and around the penalty area.
Arsenal and Newcastle could do battle for Gabri Veiga
“Gabri Veiga is obviously a talent that’s getting better and better. He is going to be hard for Celta to keep,” says Gibson, the former Tottenham and Man United forward.
“I think there is a big enough buy-out clause to stop other Spanish clubs buying him. But not other clubs in other places in Europe, notably the Premier League.”
That buy-out clause reportedly stands at £35 million. A fee that all but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico may be able to afford in La Liga, but not one that will put off his more deep-pocketed English-based suitors.
Arsenal, according to Faro de Vigo, are confident of luring Veiga to the Emirates. The Gunners may face competition, however, from the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United (AS).
“He is an attacking midfielder, scores goals. A good player,” Gibson explains. “I think he needs to improve on his defensive responsibilities if he is going to be a midfield player. But when you’re on top, he’s got the ability to create and to score goals.
“I’d say in a midfield three, he’s fine. In a midfield two, it’s touch and go. But if you are on top, you’ve got the ball and you’re attacking, he’s a massive threat.
“He has clearly come to the attention of other big clubs around Europe because he’s a really talented player. There are a lot of really good young players in La Liga, and he is one of the best.”
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