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Real Madrid to rival Arsenal, Manchester United for Gabri Veiga?

By Ben Sully | 02 March 2023

Real Madrid to rival Arsenal, Man United for Veiga?

Real Madrid are reportedly set to battle Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United for the signature of Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

Real Madrid are reportedly set to rival Arsenal and Manchester United for the signing of Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

The 20-year-old has been something of a breakout star in La Liga this season, after beginning the 2022-23 campaign as a member of the club's 'B' team.

Veiga played a starring role in Sunday's 3-0 home victory over Real Valladolid, scoring a brace after providing an assist for Haris Seferovic's opener.

As a result of his match-winning display, the Spain Under-21 international has now registered eight goals and three assists across his 22 La Liga appearances this term.

Although Veiga has a contract with Celta until June 2026, the La Liga club are reportedly aware that it may be difficult to keep hold of one of their prized assets during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag celebrates after the match on February 23, 2023 © Reuters

A recent report claimed that Arsenal and Man United are both interested in signing Veiga, but the two Premier League clubs could face competition from the European champions.

According to Cadena SER, the Celta academy graduate features on a list of potential summer transfer targets for Real Madrid.

The report claims the Los Blancos are prioritising moves for Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

While Bellingham may be their main midfield target, Veiga is certainly on their radar, and a potential deal for the Celta man could depend on the futures of several members of the Real Madrid squad.

As it stands, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio are all out of contract at the end of the season.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti on November 2, 2022 © Reuters

Veiga allegedly has a €40m (£35.5m) release clause in his contract, but Los Blancos are unwilling to pay that amount for the midfielder.

However, there is a belief that Real Madrid would be keen to enter negotiations with Celta about a player-plus-cash deal.

Their city neighbours Atletico Madrid are also set to enter the race to sign Veiga, who could be the subject of several offers during the summer transfer window.

Real Madrid are currently preparing to face their bitter rivals Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday.

Veiga, meanwhile, is expected to feature when Celta travel to Pamplona to face Osasuna in Sunday's La Liga contest.