Chelsea look set to make an approach for Gabri Veiga once Manchester United complete the transfer of Mason Mount. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford recently amid an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
football.london understands that the two clubs have now reached an agreement worth around £60million for Mount, who has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils. It's believed that United will pay the Blues £55m, plus a further £5m in add-ons, and the England international will now undergo the formalities of joining a new club.
Chelsea had been in dialogue with Mount over signing a new contract for the past 12 months, and there was even confidence before last year's World Cup that a deal could be struck. But, once he returned from Qatar, an offer was no longer on the table – despite the Cobham graduate's entourage having thought that they had verbally agreed terms of an extension.
football.london also understand that shortly into the new year, Chelsea reopened talks with Mount but he didn't want to sign a one-year extension, which would have seen his salary increase, and the proposal was swiftly turned down. Since then, Mount hasn't received an improved offer, essentially making him available in the summer transfer window.
The likes of United, Liverpool and Arsenal were alerted to the midfielder's situation, with all three registering their interest. At one stage, it's believed that Jurgen Klopp's side were once front-runners but the Red Devils stepped in and now look set to wrap up a deal.
With Mount set to leave, Chelsea reportedly have a plan in place to replace him – and quickly. According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are expected to make an approach for Veiga once the Englishman's move to Old Trafford is completed.
The report states that the club's original plan was to sign just one defensive midfielder – whether it be Manuel Ugarte, who eventually joined Paris Saint-Germain, or Moises Caicedo. But, after so many midfielders have left, Veiga has been considered and his £34.6million release clause is reportedly an 'attractive option'.
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The 21-year-old starlet, who sees his contract at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos expire in 2026, featured 36 times for Celta Vigo in La Liga last season, directly contributing towards 15 goals. Veiga's impressive performances are said to have courted the interest of several top clubs in the Premier League, so Chelsea certainly face tough competition.
