Who is Arsenal and Liverpool target Gabri Veiga? The Spanish wonderkid European giants are queuing up to sign
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Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga has been linked with a move to the Premier League following an impressive season in Spain.
Liverpool and Arsenal are among the clubs keeping tabs on the player, with both clubs keen to strengthen their midfield this summer.
But who is the talented midfielder, and why are clubs so interested in him?
Who is Gabri Veiga?
Twenty-one-year-old midfielder Veiga was born in O Porrino on 27 June 2002, a stone's throw from Celta Vigo's stadium.
He joined the Spanish side's academy at the age of 11 and worked his way through the ranks, impressing for Celta's B-team as a 17-year-old.
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In 2020, he was handed his first-team debut, but struggled to nail down a starting position. That was until this campaign when the Spaniard was given his big break.
How has he played this season?
Following a series of departures in central midfield, Veiga was thrust into the spotlight where he has continued to shine for manager Carlos Carvahal.
A 30-yard-screamer during a 1-0 win over Real Betis in October got the wheels in motion, and the Spain U-21 international has not looked back since.
Having previously been deployed as a no 8 box-to-box style midfielder, Veiga has been given the license to roam further forward in an attacking-midfield role, and it is in this position that he has really thrived.
He has produced an impressive return of nine goals and four assists in La Liga this term and ranks in the 96th percentile of successful take-ons among midfielders, according to fbref.
What's been said about him?
After winning the Player of the Month award for February, La Liga described Veiga's performance during Celta's thrilling 4-3 away win over Real Betis.
He scored his side’s first and third goals, "including a strike which showcased his jaw-dropping talent and iron will", the report read. While he was also descried as a "midfield maestro".
Furthermore, Goal have compared him with Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, even stating that he could use Steven Gerrard as benchmark.
"Both are tall athletic midfielders who like to shoot from distance, they share similar dribbling styles, and a remarkable versatility that could see them function in a number of different systems," the publication stated.
"And, like Valverde in Real Madrid's counter-attacking setup, Veiga is deadly on the break.
"Replicating Valverde appears to be a more immediate goal for Veiga to reach, but perhaps a loftier target would be Steven Gerrard."
Why might Liverpool and Arsenal be interested?
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to add two central midfielders to his ranks this summer in preparation for a busy Champions League schedule next season.
While Veiga's versatility and age is in-keeping with Arteta's youthful project in north London.
Over in Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is in dire need of midfield rejuvenation, with the German expecting a major overhaul to his squad this summer.
What's the latest?
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has issued the latest update on Veiga, revealing he has a release clause of €40m (£34m).
While he stated that the Premier League remains his "most likely destination".
European giants Real Madrid are thought to be keeping tabs. While Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester city, Chelsea and Newcastle have all been linked to the midfielder.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Arsenal, Liverpool, Celta Vigo, Premier League, La Liga, Football
