Arsenal have missed out on a bargain deal to kickstart their summer window
Arsenal have missed out on a bargain deal to kickstart their summer window (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal have missed out on a bargain summer deal and have been made to pay for their lack of activity by a former Tottenham manager. The north Londoners are yet to confirm any signings but are expected to reinforce their squad ahead of next season. A new midfielder is thought to be at the top of their shopping list with Martin Zubimendi reportedly on the verge of joining.
One player they will definitely not be signing is Gabri Veiga, who has been linked with Arsenal for a number of years. Reports of their interest surfaced back in 2023, when he was playing for Celta Vigo, but he went on to join Saudi club Al-Ahli. Earlier this year, it was claimed that Arsenal had revived their pursuit of Veiga with the midfielder angling for a return to Europe.
Gabri Veiga is set to join Porto in a deal worth around £12.6m plus add-ons
Gabri Veiga is set to join Porto in a deal worth around £12.6m plus add-ons (Image: GETTY)
Unfortunately for Arsenal, they have missed out on his signature once again. According to Fabrizio Romano, he will join Porto in a deal worth around £12.6million plus add-ons. It is said that personal terms have also been agreed and a medical has been booked.
The report adds that former Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas was a key figure in completing the deal. He is currently president of Porto, having given up his coaching career to focus on winning last year's election.
Arsenal may live to regret their failure to sign Veiga, who still has plenty of room for growth at just 23 years old. Many players have excelled in Portugal's top flight before moving for huge transfer fees, including the likes of Darwin Nunez and Joao Felix.
There is every chance that Veiga could follow in their footsteps if he kicks on at Porto and draws interest from Europe's biggest clubs. If he realises his potential, it will represent a missed opportunity for Arsenal to have added a low-cost creative option to their squad.
Veiga previously confirmed that major clubs showed 'strong interest' in his signature before he decided to join Al-Ahli two years ago.
Speaking to Spanish outlet AS, he said: "I was focused on finishing a dream season, which in the end got complicated, without being aware of any kind of rumour.
"Perhaps at some point there was a strong interest, but later on in the lists another type of profile gains more strength. I can tell you that in August I was faced with a situation and I took the decision I thought was the right one."