Óscar Mingueza looks increasingly likely to depart Celta Vigo this summer amid intensifying interest from Arsenal and other top sides, according to multiple reports. With the 26-year-old defender’s contract set to expire in June 2026 and talks over a renewal reportedly at a standstill, Celta’s management has acknowledged how hard it will be to keep their versatile full-back for the coming season.
Mingueza, a product of FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has developed into one of Celta’s most consistent performers since joining the Galicians in 2022. Comfortable at right-back, left-back and even in central defensive roles, the Spain international’s versatility has attracted attention from across Europe as clubs prepare for the summer transfer window.
Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giráldez was candid when discussing the situation in recent comments reported by Spanish media, conceding that “it will be difficult to keep him” amid mounting transfer interest.
The manager described Mingueza as “a fantastic player” whose importance to the team has grown this season, but acknowledged that the club faces an uphill task in enticing him to commit his future to Vigo.
For ARSENAL, the potential signing fits into a broader summer defensive strategy. With uncertainties surrounding the future of current right-back options and questions over depth in wide defensive positions, the Gunners are said to be among a number of Premier League clubs monitoring Mingueza’s situation closely. Unless Celta can strike a breakthrough in contract negotiations, the defender is widely tipped to depart on a free transfer — a scenario that could spark a summer bidding battle for his signature.
Arsenal are not alone in the race. Reports from Spain and the United Kingdom suggest that Aston Villa, Fulham and Juventus have also registered interest in the free-agent prospect, turning what was once a relatively straightforward pursuit into a more competitive market scenario.
Industry observers point out that free transfers of established La Liga defenders with senior international experience are relatively rare commodities — particularly ones that offer tactical flexibility across multiple defensive positions.
Mingueza’s combination of Spanish top-flight experience, positional adaptability and relatively low wage demands for his age category appear to have made him a priority target for clubs seeking value signings ahead of the new campaign.
As the European season heads toward its conclusion, Celta are expected to continue their efforts to persuade Mingueza to remain at Balaídos.
But with his current deal set to lapse in June, and with reported interest intensifying from abroad, the scales appear to be tipping toward a summer exit that could see him join ARSENAL or another Premier League club in pursuit of defensive reinforcements.
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