Raphael Veiga has given hope to Premier League suitors Arsenal, Wolves and Fulham by admitting to Globo Esporte that he it is his ‘dream’ to play in Europe with England a preferred destination.
Called up by Brazil for the very first time ahead of the March international break, the late-blooming 27-year-old has been the centre of much attention this week.
Veiga could make his Selecao debut against Morocco on Saturday. And, at his pre-match press conference, with the cameras fixed firmly upon him, the Palmeiras playmaker seized the opportunity to lay the groundwork for a potential summer switch across the Atlantic.
“(Moving abroad) is a goal. I think I’m more and more prepared for that. Things happen in the time they have to, it’s a dream of mine,” Veiga says.
Wolves battle Arsenal and Fulham for Raphael Veiga
In addition to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham are keeping tabs on the talented attacking midfielder (Goal Brasil). If Veiga does move to England, he will be following in the footsteps of Nottingham Forest duo Gustavo Scarpa and Danilo, both of whom played alongside Veiga at Palmeiras before moving to the City Ground in January.
“It’s hard to pinpoint a country,” Veiga adds. “But there are some countries that, watching the games, fill my eyes; England and Spain. These are places I like to watch. It’s football that I follow the most.
“I would stick with these two countries.”
One of the most prolific midfield players in the game, Veiga scored 21 goals in all competitions last season after netting 18 in each of the two previous campaigns. As such, in the last three seasons combined, Veiga has netted nearly 60 times. It is easy to see why Wolves are so keen; Julen Lopetegui’s side the joint-lowest goalscorers in the whole of the Premier League.
Veiga has also accumulated no fewer than eight trophies during six years at Palmeiras, including a pair of Copa Libertadores titles.
Former Brazil international turned TV pundit Neto, meanwhile, believes that Molineux will be Veiga’s destination despite interest from a number of rival top-flight clubs.
“The information I have; Rafael Veiga will leave Palmeiras. He will be sold,” Neto tells Donos da Bola. “Rafael Veiga will leave Palmeiras. Wolves; He goes to this team.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
