Man Utd challenge Arsenal in the race for Celta Vigo wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• 25 Feb 2023 11:34 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Arsenal are set to battle for the signature of Celta Vigo wonderkid Gabri Veiga, according to reports.

Veiga, 20, has emerged onto the scene this season with Celta, netting six goals and providing two assists in 21 La Liga appearances from midfield.

That form has caught the eye of both Erik ten Hag and Mikel Arteta, who are both interested in signing the young Spaniard. That is according to AS, who have reported that both clubs are closely monitoring his performances every week.

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Furthermore, Eddie Howe's Newcastle United have also shown interest in Veiga, with the Magpies keen to continue their recent transfer policy of signing the best young talents in Europe. Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are four such examples of this.

However, Man Utd and Arsenal are the two clubs on the lookout for Veiga, with both said to be considering offering Celta Vigo a deal.

AS report that Celta would like to keep hold of their starlet, but acknowledge that recent interest means it will be very difficult for them to retain Veiga this summer.

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Celta are also reportedly "convinced" that Veiga will become their record departure if he leaves the club. For that to happen, the fee for Veiga will need to eclipse the €21m that Napoli paid to sign Stanislav Lobotka back in 2020.

Veiga this season

After playing a bit-part role during the first-half of the campaign, Veiga burst onto the senior stage after the 2022 World Cup and has immediately become a key member of Celta Vigo's starting XI.

The attacking midfielder has thrived under the pressure of a La Liga relegation battle, with his elusive dribbling and attacking intelligence helping him become a revelation at senior level.

Crucially, his contract at Celta doesn't expire until 2026, meaning the Spanish club won't be in any rush to sell the 20-year-old. Therefore,it may take a bid in excess of his €11.4m ETV for Man Utd or Arsenal to sign him this summer.