Chelsea 'join race to sign Celta Vigo playmaker Gabri Veiga'

Having missed out on European football for 2023-24, the Blues hierarchy are under pressure to reduce their squad numbers and generate enough money to get back on side with FFP.

However, that is seemingly not stopping Chelsea from moving for their own targets, that being the case with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte until they were edged out by Paris Saint-Germain.

If reports are to be believed, players in a wide range of positions will leave Stamford Bridge over the coming weeks and months, some positions needing strengthening more than others.

Nevertheless, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have shown during their year-long stay that they are ready to capitalise if it becomes apparent that young players with potential become available.

That appears to be clear with Veiga, who has just enjoyed a fine campaign with Celta Vigo despite his club only remaining in La Liga on the final weekend of the season.

The 21-year-old chipped in with 11 goals and four assists from 28 starts and eight substitute outings in Spain's top flight, form that has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

While the bulk of Veiga's appearances have come from central midfield, he has also been deployed as a number 10 and, more rarely, as a central forward.

According to The Guardian, Chelsea are now keen to win the race for Veiga, who possesses a €40m (£34.4m) release clause in his contract.

The ongoing situation with Kai Havertz has allegedly led to the West Londoners taking an interest in Veiga with a like-for-like alternative potentially being required.

Real Madrid are allegedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach for the Germany international, who would act as a replacement for Marco Asensio and provide Los Blancos with a much-needed central option when required.

Chelsea cannot be regarded as favourites for Veiga, however, with Newcastle United, Liverpool and Barcelona all being linked in recent months.

Real are a logical next destination, too, with manager Carlo Ancelotti having already publicly spoken highly of Veiga in the past.