The overall package required to sign Celta Vigo’s La Liga starlet Gabri Veiga could cost around 100 million euros with Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United all interested.
So say AS, highlighting the extent of the financial muscle required to lure one of Europe’s most coveted young midfielders away from his Balaidos home.
A relative unknown just six months ago, Veiga’s nine goals and four assists for one of the most entertaining teams in a league often short of fireworks have certainly caught the eye, clubs from Madrid to Merseyside forming a (dis)orderly queue for the Spain U21 international.
Liverpool, ESPN say, are making checks on Veiga’s ability and attitude on and off the pitch. AC Milan, Napoli, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked; reports claiming that Newcastle, meanwhile, are willing to offer Veiga around £85,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
His £33 million release clause, meanwhile, will be of little concern to an ambitious Newcastle side with Saudi Arabian owners.
Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool are battling to sign Gabri Veiga
AS believe that the overall package could rise to just shy of £90 million. That is including the transfer fee, plus any potential bonuses. Not to mention Veiga’s wages and fees paid to whichever agency he aligns himself with. Veiga is currently without a representative.
He could reportedly link up with Jorge Mendes at Gestifute. Mendes has already placed a number of clients at Manchester City, including Bernardo Silva and Ederson.
Faro de Vigo, a publication who you would imagine a very well connected at Celta given their geographical links, remain insistent that Arsenal is Veiga’s preferred destination. Mikel Arteta’s reputation with young players is not passing the 21-year-old by. The allure of a life in London, meanwhile, is another key factor.
“He is an attacking midfielder who scores goals. A good player,” Spanish football expert Terry Gibson says on El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
“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. If 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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