A year ago
Chelsea enter £34.6m transfer race to sign Mount replacement for Pochettino
Chelsea could potentially find a suitable replacement for Mason Mount, who is expected to leave the club this summer. Manager Mauricio Pochettino may find solace in the fact that Chelsea has identified a dream replacement for Mount. Throughout the 2022/23 season, there have been discussions about extending Mount's contract, but no significant progress has been made, indicating that he is likely to depart his childhood club.
Among the options of Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Manu Kone, Ugarte is considered the top choice to partner Enzo Fernandez in midfield, as several midfield stars, including Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, and N'Golo Kante, are expected to leave. Contract extension talks for Kante have hit a snag as well. Therefore, strengthening the midfield ranks becomes a priority for Pochettino, and Chelsea may have found the perfect replacement in Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga.
Gabri Veiga, the 24-year-old Celta Vigo star, has attracted strong interest from several top European clubs, with Chelsea being the latest to join the race, as reported by AS in Spain. However, as the only team without European football in the mix, Chelsea faces an uphill battle in convincing Veiga to sign. Despite this, Veiga's impressive performance in 35 La Liga appearances, where he scored nine goals and provided four assists, makes him a sought-after talent.
Veiga has excelled in an advanced role this season, showcasing his versatility by seamlessly transitioning between his preferred creative position and a deeper role in a three-man midfield setup. His ability to adapt to different positions adds to his appeal as a potential Mount replacement for Chelsea. Veiga's demand for first-team assurances could be a crucial factor in his decision, as he may not find such guarantees at many other clubs vying for his signature.
While Chelsea's lack of European football may pose a challenge, the club's stature and ambition, coupled with the opportunity for regular playing time, could be enticing factors for Veiga. Chelsea's interest in the midfielder highlights their proactive approach to bolstering their squad and ensuring a smooth transition in midfield amidst potential departures.
Ultimately, the pursuit of Gabri Veiga by Chelsea represents their intent to secure a capable replacement for Mason Mount, should the Englishman leave the club. The negotiations and competition from other European clubs will play a significant role in determining whether Chelsea can convince Veiga to join their ranks.
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