Chelsea enter race for Celta Vigo playmaker Gabri Veiga

Chelsea have entered the transfer race for Celta Vigo’s young playmaker Gabri Veiga ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Gabri Veiga, 21, still has three years left on his contract but it contains a release clause worth in the region of £ 34 million, and that could prove to be a bargain following his superb breakthrough season at Celta Vigo. The Spaniard was inarguably Celta Vigo’s standout performer in an otherwise torrid campaign, and his two goals in the memorable win over Barcelona on the final day helped his hometown club narrowly avoid relegation from La Liga.

As a result, the playmaker ended the campaign with 11 goals and four assists in 36 La Liga appearances. Veiga’s eye-catching performances have not gone unnoticed, with Chelsea reportedly joining the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona in monitoring the talented youngster.

Mauricio Pochettino’s blue revolution begins at Stamford Bridge

The summer transfer window is yet to officially begin but that hasn’t stopped Chelsea from making their move in the market, particularly after recently hiring new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino, 51, has already begun his revolution at Chelsea and cracked the whip by sanctioning a number of exits.

N’Golo Kante’s contract is due to expire at the end of the month and he has been allowed to leave the club on a free transfer. Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are close to completing the signing of Kante on a two-year deal while there are chances for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher to depart this summer.

Manchester City and Manchester United are in talks with Chelsea over the possibility of signing Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount respectively. So, it is clear Pochettino has started clearing the deck at Chelsea after a hugely disappointing 2022/23 campaign, as he looks to bring in his potential targets.

Gabri Veiga wanted by Chelsea

Pochettino has already suffered a setback early into his tenure as Chelsea boss as one of his top targets, Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte, has turned down a move to Stamford Bridge in favour of joining French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The new Chelsea boss is prioritising the signing of at least one central midfielder in his bid to rebuild the Blues. And he seems now intent on signing Gabri Veiga, who has quickly become one of Europe’s coveted young midfielders after he became La Liga’s breakout star of the season.

Veiga, who can play as a No.10 or in a deeper midfield role, fits the profile of signings Chelsea have made under the new regime of Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital. Playing in arguably the most competitive league in Europe and boasting a huge fanbase across the world, Chelsea should be an attractive proposition for the young Spaniard regardless of them missing out on a place in Europe.

Veiga comes with a glowing reputation and is a player that could slot in seamlessly at Stamford Bridge. However, considering the interest from top European clubs, Chelsea must quickly trigger the creative midfielder’s £ 34 million release clause and sign him from Celta Vigo.