Chelsea are alert to the possibility of signing Gabri Veiga, who could end his time in Saudi Arabia one year after joining Al-Ahli.
Fichajes named Chelsea as a suitor in the race for Gabri Veiga should the 21-year-old choose to return to Europe after a year in Saudi Arabia. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City are also in the race for the €40 million-rated Spanish midfielder, who made a surprise decision to join Al-Ahli last summer.
Gabri Veiga was instrumental in helping Celta Vigo retain their top-flight status in La Liga, but soon after last season, he announced he would leave the club. The Spanish side bracing for offers did not envisage their star talent would choose the riches of Saudi Arabia over the potential of playing for one of the top clubs in the continent.
Since joining Al-Ahlii in a €30 million deal, Veiga has been in good form for the Saudi side, scoring four goals and assisting thrice in 15 games in the Saudi Pro League. However, amid many players wanting out of the Middle Eastern League, rumours have sparked about the 21-year-old also keen on a return to Europe.
The immediate aftermath of those rumours saw Viega linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the Liga giants clearly holding an interest back in the summer. The Madrid side are clearly in the market for the best young profiles and may have signed Arda Guler once Veiga’s preference becomes more apparent in the summer.
Barcelona are also keen, but Veiga’s current €40 million asking price might again prove problematic, considering they have enough players in his position. Manchester City were also keen in January, but Pep Guardiola’s side did not pursue a deal, although they could return in the summer.
Now, Chelsea has grown attentive to Veiga’s situation and could get into the mix should the 21-year-old decide to leave Saudi Arabia. The Blues, like many other top clubs, are in the market for the best young profiles and certainly have the Spaniard on their list.
They might lose Conor Gallagher in the summer, with Tottenham likely to return with an approach. Chelsea might view Viega as the perfect option to replace the England international, as the money from the midfielder’s sale could fund the move for the 21-year-old Al-Ahli star.
As the report states, Al-Ahli could demand at least €40 million for the Spaniard and may not stand in his way should he choose to part ways.
