Prior to the transfer window reopening, Aston Villa has set their sights on capturing the race for Al-Ahli midfielder Gabri Veiga.
Aston Villa are looking to steal a march on other interested parties by moving fast to attract Gabri Veiga to Villa Park as it has become clear that the Al-Ahli star is keen to seal a return to Europe during the fast-approaching summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed. The Spain under-21 international only cashed in on the riches on offer in the Saudi Pro League less than 12 months ago, when a £30million move from La Liga outfit Celta Vigo was rubber-stamped, but he is in line to embark on a fresh challenge ahead of the 2024/25 campaign getting underway.
Villa are on the brink of qualifying for the Champions League after staging a late fightback to register a 3-3 draw against Liverpool earlier this week, and head coach Unai Emery is holding internal discussions with president of football operations Monchi over drafting in reinforcements in the coming weeks.
Villa Seeking Quick Negotiations over Veiga
Villa are looking to hold speedy negotiations with Al-Ahli as they are aware that Veiga will be in demand if he pushes for a summer move away from Saudi Arabia, according to GMS sources, and indications highlight that he is keen to secure a quick fire return to Europe if an opportunity arises.
Although it is understood that the central midfielder’s current employers want to keep him on their books heading into next season, they will be forced to consider sanctioning his departure from the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium if he insists on cutting his spell in the Middle East short.
GMS sources have been informed that Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also tracked Veiga over the last two years, but he would provide the likes of Youri Tielemans with stiff competition for a regular starting berth if he chooses to head to Villa.
| Gabri Veiga’s statistical averages per 90 minutes this season compared to Youri Tielemans | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gabri Veiga | Youri Tielemans | |
| Progressive passes received | 5.00 | 2.56 |
| Shots | 2.26 | 0.78 |
| Shots on target | 1.09 | 0.28 |
| Goals | 0.36 | 0.11 |
| Assists | 0.22 | 0.33 |
| Statistics correct as of 14/05/2024 | ||
It has emerged that Villa and La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid have already made contact in a bid to gauge whether the 21-year-old would be interested in heading in a new direction despite his Al-Ahli contract, which allows him to pocket close to £200,000-per-week, not being due to expire until the summer of 2026.
Veiga, who has scored four goals and registered as many assists over the course of 18 appearances in Al-Ahli’s colours this season, would be a huge coup for Emery and he has previously shown a willingness to test himself in the Premier League for the first time in his career.