Manchester City dealt fresh blow in midfield pursuit as major rival closes in on Declan Rice replacement

Manchester City have been dealt a new blow in the summer transfer market, as Paris Saint-Germain look to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

Pep Guardiola remains on the hunt for a new midfielder after losing club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona and missing out on England duo Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

Manchester City pulled out of a deal for West Ham captain Rice after Arsenal’s shock £105 million offer for the midfielder, while Bellingham agreed a deal with La Liga giants Real Madrid despite interest from the Sky Blues.

Pep Guardiola has already added former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic to his treble-winning squad, but with question marks still surrounding Bernardo Silva’s future and Kevin De Bruyne set to miss the start of the season due to injury, City remain in the market for another midfield addition.

Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga, who has been linked with both Liverpool and Chelsea, emerged as a potential replacement to Rice, with the 21 year-old having a €40 million release clause.

The Spain midfielder was directly involved in 15 goals in 40 appearances last season, and is currently competing at the UEFA U21 European Championships in Georgia.

Despite Spain U21’s facing Ukraine in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening, Veiga’s future remains subject to intense interest, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly seeking to sign the midfielder, a potential fresh blow to Manchester City.

PSG are claimed to be progressing with talks to sign the 21 year-old, with the French club wanting to complete a deal quickly amid competition for the player’s signature, according to Santi Aouna.

Veiga made 36 La Liga appearances during the 2022/23 campaign, as Celta Vigo recorded a 13th place finish in the division.

Manchester City signed young midfielder Maximo Perrone in January, with the 20 year-old making two first-team appearances against Bournemouth and Bristol City.

Reports have suggested that Guardiola could move Phil Foden into a central role next season, following the exit of Gundogan after seven years at the Etihad Stadium.

World Cup winner Julian Alvarez, who primarily plays as a centre-forward, has also played in an attacking midfielder position in the absence of De Bruyne.