Celta Vigo coach Rafael Benitez has confirmed that the interest in midfielder Gabri Veiga ‘is real’, as his former club Napoli close in on an official agreement with the LaLiga outfit.
According to previous reports from Spain, Veiga has a release clause written into his contract, believed to be worth a figure of €40m.
Napoli have attempted to bring the 21-year-old in for less already this summer, but have seen a bid totalling €33m including add-ons rejected this week.
Veiga is said to be Napoli’s primary target in midfield, despite having recently welcomed Jens Cajuste from Stade de Reims. The Spaniard is also still wanted even if Piotr Zielinski decides to stay on amidst interest from Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of the start of Celta Vigo’s league campaign, Benitez said: “He has a situation, like other players from a lot of other teams, in that the transfer market is open, he has a release clause and there is a lot of talk about his leaving.
“He is a player that I like, he can score goals and help the team win, but the situation is what it is. That’s how the market goes and the interest in him is real. For us, the ideal would be to resolve the situation soon, but otherwise I’m glad I have him.”
” I spoke to him and told him to manage this situation as best he could and to concentrate exclusively on working with the team. I realise, of course, that it’s not easy for him. The transfer market is beyond our control.”