Tottenham insulted as top Postecoglou target ‘prefers Arsenal;’ Arteta considering stunning hijack

Harry Watkinson 12 Jul 2023 4:30 PM

Gabri Veiga of RC Celta during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and RC Celta de Vigo

Arsenal has reportedly emerged as the preferred destination of Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, who is a key target for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners are close to finalising deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, but their summer transfer business is far from over.

Now, they could potentially scupper the plans of Ange Postecgolou, who is reportedly keen on signing Veiga as he looks to improve his midfield.

Tottenham are in the midst of a squad rebuild as they look to bounce back from a dismal 2022/23 campaign, which saw them finish in eighth place in the table.

Postecoglou’s focus seems to be on improving his defence and Spurs are currently in talks with Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven.

With midfielders like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg linked with a departure, however, the manager is also looking to bring in a centre-mid.

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Tottenham are expected to be the first club to make a concrete move for Veiga, who is valued at €45m (£38.3m).

But, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all interested in the 21-year-old. So, Spurs will have to move quickly to get a deal done.

Veiga wants to join Arsenal over Tottenham

According to Spanish journalist Manu Sainz, Arsenal would the frontrunners to sign Veiga if they submitted an official bid to Celta Vigo.

Speaking on ASTV (via FourFourTwo), he said: “The club in England Veiga likes the most, which we published a while back, is Arsenal.

“Arsenal is the club. If Arsenal gets into the bidding for Veiga, then they will most likely get him.

“This is because he enjoys the football Arsenal play and he would like to work with Arteta. It’s football, and he would have an advantage there.”

As mentioned, Arsenal’s current priority is finalising deals for Rice and Timber. But, reports suggest that Arteta will look to sign another midfielder this summer.

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is one potential option, but Liverpool are firmly in the race. So, the manager could potentially switch his attention to Veiga if Arsenal miss out on him.

Last season, the Celta Vigo star made 36 LaLiga appearances. In the process, he scored 11 goals and made four assists.

A versatile player, Veiga has the ability to play as an attacking or defensive midfielder, or even as a left winger on occasion. So, he could provide cover in several positions for Arsenal next term.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if the Gunners table an offer for Veiga after they have sorted the deals for Rice and Timber.

Arsenal Celta Vigo Gabri Veiga