Napoli have just increased their bid to sign Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo – after Chelsea were strongly linked with a move for the Spaniard.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
So, what is the latest on Chelsea and Gabri Veiga? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, it was the Evening Standard who claimed that Chelsea wanted to sign the Spain Under-21 international as a replacement for Mason Mount.
A story from the Guardian also mentioned that Mauricio Pochettino personally asked for Veiga to be signed at Stamford Bridge after losing the England international and Kai Havertz.
Now – however – Napoli are the side pushing hardest to sign the Celta Vigo No.24 this summer.
Romano believes an agreement between the Italian champions and the Spanish outfit is getting closer after Napoli increased their bid.
The reliable Italian journalist does not mention how much Napoli have offered, although the Guardian believe Veiga has a release clause worth £34.4m written into his contract at Celta Vigo, so the bid is presumably in that region.
Romano adds that Celta Vigo want the situation resolved before Saturday – with negotiations underway to get a deal sealed before that deadline.
Chelsea might have moved on from Gabri Veiga
In our view, Chelsea may have already moved on from Veiga.
A number of reliable sources – such as the aforementioned stories from the Evening Standard and the Guardian – suggested that Pochettino was very keen to sign the central midfielder this summer.
However, the Argentine has since signed Lesley Ugochukwu and Moises Caicedo, while a deal for Romeo Lavia has also been agreed with Southampton.
Therefore, Pochettino may no longer have room for Veiga in his midfield department, unless the South American plans to offload a number of midfielders before transfer deadline day.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea have until Saturday to hijack Napoli’s move for Veiga.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
