Rumoured Arsenal transfer target Gabri Veiga is closing in on a move to rivals Newcastle United this summer after Eddie Howe’s side confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League, according to reports coming out of Spain on Wednesday.
Veiga has broken onto the scene in La Liga this season, grabbing nine goals and four assists for a struggling Celta Vigo side, and has put his name firmly on the lips of elite clubs around Europe.
Real Madrid were thought to be keen on the midfielder, but a mega-move for Jude Bellingham being agreed has all but ended their interest in the Spaniard.
As a result, Arsenal were thought to be the favourites for his signature, with the Spaniard himself open to a move to north London.
But the Gunners have since confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe will not be leaving north London this summer despite speculation that the 22-year-old had played his final game for the club, in turn reducing Mikel Arteta’s need to further strengthen in attacking midfield before the new season, and Veiga seems far less of a priority than other midfield targets such as Declan Rice.
As a result, it is reportedly Newcastle who are in the driving seat for Veiga, with Marca claiming that his release clause sits at just 30m euros, rather than the 40m euro price tag that had been circulating midway through the season.
Veiga could be the first man through the door, however, with Spanish outlets claiming that a move is ‘very close’, making the 21-year-old the first of the marquee signings that Eddie Howe promised his fans when they confirmed their return to the Champions League.
