Arsenal close in on Ceballos after breakthrough in Madrid talks

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to bring Dani Ceballos back to the club.

The Spain international spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan in north London from Real Madrid and enjoyed a fine end to the season, helping Mikel Arteta’s side claim a record-setting 14th FA Cup. 

Having initially struggled to cement his place in the side under Arteta, Ceballos was a revelation following the restart in June and was arguably Arsenal’s most consistent performer during the final weeks of the season.

Arteta has spoken openly of his desire to bring the midfielder back from Madrid and said in the build-up to last Saturday’s Community Shield clash against Liverpool that Ceballos had told him he wanted to return. 

“We had some talks,” said Arsenal’s head coach. “Dani knows really well what I think about him. He was pretty clear with me as well that his intention was to remain with us.

“Obviously, Real Madrid is involved there and I don’t know yet what they want to do with the player.

“He is a player we are interested in because we really saw in the last few months of the season what he is capable of bringing to us.”

Ceballos posted videos of himself on social media watching and celebrating the victory against Liverpool, fuelling speculation that he was pushing for a return to Emirates Stadium.

And Goal can confirm reports in Spain that another loan deal is close to being agreed, with Arsenal and Real Madrid deep in discussions over a deal which will see the 24-year-old spend the 2020-21 campaign with Arteta’s side.

Ceballos is keen to ensure he gets regular playing time during the coming season to ensure he keeps his place in the Spain squad ahead of next summer’s European Championship.

In Madrid that is far from guaranteed, with Zinedine Zidane having rarely used him during his two stints as head coach at the Bernabeu.

Ceballos, however, earned the trust of Arteta with his performances during the final months of last season and made himself one of the first names on the teamsheet, forming an excellent partnership with Granit Xhaka in the heart of midfield that was central to Arsenal’s FA Cup success.

The Spaniard made 37 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring twice - including the winner in the FA Cup quarter-final against Sheffield United.