Mikel Arteta handed boost in pursuit of highly talented star with Arsenal set to pay £35m release clause

Celta Vigo have told Arsenal that they must the €40 million (£35m) release clause to sign midfielder Gabri Veiga.

Both Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp are keen on strengthening their midfield options this summer, although the Gunners could have an advantage over their Premier League rivals if Liverpool miss out on a place in next season’s Champions League.

According to Spanish radio network Cadena SER, Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Veiga, while Newcastle United and Real Madrid are also monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation.

Veiga has been one of Celta Vigo’s standout performers this season with nine goals and three assists in La Liga so far.

Speaking on Thursday, Celta Vigo’s president, Carlos Mourino, confirmed that four Premier League clubs are interested in Veiga and admitted his side are unlikely to be able to keep the midfielder this summer.

Mourino also denied a reported approach from Real Madrid but insisted that Veiga’s release clause must be met in order for a transfer to take place.

‘Under no circumstances do we want to sell Gabri but we also I say that they are going to buy it from us and there we can do absolutely nothing,’ Mourino said.

‘We know of some of the offers that Gabri has had and as much as we would like, we could not pay him what other teams offer him.

‘We would love for Gabri to be at Celta next season, for him to continue with us for the centenary season, but we know it will be very difficult. We compete with clubs that are stronger than us.

‘Our response to all the clubs is very easy, they have to agree with him and they only have to pay us the clause.’