Chelsea move for Saudi Arabian FLOP

Carlo Garganese

• 7 Feb 2024 03:50 CST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are making a move to sign Al-Ahli midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to Fichajes.

Veiga is desperate to quit Saudi Arabia just over six months on from joining from Celta Vigo after a miserable spell so far.

Veiga was considered one of the most promising youngsters in Europe ahead of the move and he was the top scoring midfielder in La Liga last season.

Napoli were on the brink of signing Veiga, seemingly beating out competition from Liverpool, only to be gazumped by the offer from Saudi Arabia.

However, Veiga has struggled badly on and off the pitch at Al-Ahli. His performances have fallen well short of what was expected of him, managing just four goals and assists all season.

Veiga was already looking to leave Al-Ahli during the January transfer window but a move in the summer now seems probably.

Fichajes reports that Chelsea have joined Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for the 21-year-old, who has a contract at Al-Ahli until 2026.

Chelsea struggles in central midfield

Chelsea are in the market for a central midfielder this summer as that department of the midfield has underperformed badly this term.

Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have both been expensive flops, despite Chelsea paying over €100 million each on the players in 2023 from Brighton and Benfica, respectively.

Enzo is reported to already want to leave the club, while there are also doubts whether Conor Gallagher is up to the level required to be a Chelsea midfielder. Gallagher has also been linked with a move away, with Tottenham interested.

Chelsea have endured another dismal season as they are currently struggling in mid-table in the Premier League, with no chance of qualifying for the Champions League for a second year in a row.

A place in Europe next term also looks unlikely through the league, although Chelsea are in the final of the Carabao Cup against Liverpool.