Real Madrid may struggle to match Manchester City’s Gabri Veiga offer but the La Liga starlet would still prefer to join Premier League leaders Arsenal.
As Madrid-based publication Defensa Central point out, even the 14-time European champions are hard pressed competing with the seemingly bottomless riches of English football these days.
Real’s allure and prestige may have allowed them to snatch Aurelien Tchouameni from under the noses of Qatari-backed Paris Saint-Germain last summer but history may not be about to repeat itself with a homegrown talent who appears to have his heart set on joining the club sitting eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
20-year-old Gabri Veiga, Defensa Central say, views Arsenal as his ‘preferred destination’. The Spain U21 international, who shares a common tongue with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, should be a square peg in a square hole at the Emirates; a highly-technical attacking midfielder perfectly suited for Arsenal’s free-flowing, possession-heavy style.
Real Madrid and Man City target Gabri Veiga prefers Arsenal
“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.”
Both Manchester City and Newcastle United are reportedly willing to trigger the £33 million release clause in Veiga’s contract, while offering the youngster a substantial contract at either the Etihad Stadium or St James’ Park (Marca and AS). That £33 million price-tag, meanwhile, falls well within Arsenal’s reach too.
Real Madrid’s history and stature may have been sufficient to woo Tchouameni last summer. But, with Manchester City and Newcastle putting their money where their mouth is – and with Arsenal reportedly emerging as Veiga’s dream destination – even the gleaming shine of that iconic white shirt might not be enough this time around.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
