Manchester United and Arsenal chasing La Liga youngster

Arsenal maintained their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday. 

Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the first minute of the second half was enough to earn Mikel Arteta’s side three points, with The Gunners staying two points clear at the top of the table.

Reigning champions Manchester City sit in second place at present while Manchester United, who din’t play in the Premier League this weekend as they face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, occupy third place.

The Red Devils now sit eight points behind Arsenal, but it appears that the two sides could be set to go head-to-head off the pitch.

According to Spanish outlet AS via The Sun, both The Gunners and The Red Devils are interested in signing Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a fine season so far, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.

La Liga side Celta Vigo are said to be reluctant to allow Veiga to leave any time soon, although they are also confident of commanding a significant fee if they do agree to sell.

Veiga has impressed for Celta Vigo this term

Despite the two Premier League sides’ interest in the midfielder, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the 20-year-old and could provide competition for the player’s signature.

Veiga, a product of Celta’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the club in 2020 and made a total of 16 appearances across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns.

The midfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough season this term, though, making 24 appearances across all competitions so far.

The youngster made his debut for Spain Under-21s towards the end of last year, and he has been linked with a call-up to the senior squad.

Both United and Arsenal are expected to be in the market for midfielders when the transfer window re-opens this summer.

The Gunners will be looking to bolster their squad regardless of whether they are triumphant in the Premier League title race, while United could lose the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay are would therefore be on the hunt for replacements.