Reports in Spain claim Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos is close to joining Arsenal this summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Ceballos, who joined from Real Betis in 2017, is not thought to be expecting too much game time at the Bernabeu next year – and Unai Emery has the midfielder in his sights as he looks to strengthen his Arsenal team.
So far, the Gunners have only added teenage striker Gabriel Martinelli to their ranks – and are reportedly willing to accept the demands of Real Madrid in order to bring Ceballos to The Emirates – which the report suggests could be a year-long loan move without the option to buy.
Ceballos only scored three times in 23 league appearances in 2018/19, though ended his season on a high at the Under-21 European Championships – during which he scored and assisted twice as Spain were crowned champions.
With Real Madrid spending plenty in the summer transfer window so far (some £272.7m, according to TransferMarkt), they may be willing to sell players to balance the books. Meanwhile, the Mundo Deportivo report claims that Ceballos does not want to spend another season on the bench – and the 22-year-old may well get his wish with Tottenham and AC Milan are also said to be interested.
Meanwhile, Arsenal may be on the lookout for a player like Ceballos given the departure of Aaron Ramsey to Juventus – which was sealed back in February.
The Madrid midfielder could provide a new attacking dimension to the Gunners having provided more key passes and dribbles per game than Ramsey last season, according to WhoScored.
With that in mind, it is clear to see why Real Madrid would sell and why Arsenal would be interested. As a Champions League winner and multiple champion at junior international level, Ceballos would arrive at Arsenal with some cup-winning pedigree despite his tender age.
Therefore, if Emery were able to bring the youngster in on loan, he could yet turn out to be a shrewd bit of business indeed for the Gunners.
Arsenal fans, how much of an impact could Ceballos make? Join the discussion by commenting below…
