Arsenal will reportedly want Dani Ceballos to stay for another season at the Emirates, but it appeared that the Spanish playmaker is torn between the Premier League and La Liga. Ceballos said he is looking to finish the job he'd started with the Gunners, but he remains optimistic of making a name for himself playing for Real Madrid.
Ceballos made clear that his ultimate goal is to find success in Santiago Bernabeu, where he arrived in 2017 from Real Betis. The 23-year-old signed a six-year with Los Blancos but struggled to make the first-team in his first two years with the Spanish giants. Before the start of the season, Real boss Zinedine Zidane agreed on a loan deal with Arsenal.
The midfielder's stay in England can be characterized as a mixed bag so far, according to Goal. Ceballos was promised a spot on the Gunners' first XI and was given time on the pitch, which led to impressive showing before an injury in November 2019 sidelined him.
Then Mikel Arteta took over from Unai Emery, and under the former Manchester City assistant coach, Ceballos had to win the confidence of the new boss. It took some time, but Arteta seemed impressed with the commitment and attitude displayed by his compatriot. Reports said Arsenal will be willing to keep Ceballos for another season.
However, the Spaniard has likely set his mind on returning to Spain and took a shot in proving he is worthy of a spot at Bernabeu.
Ceballos said: "When my loan contract ends I will be a Real Madrid player again. My goal is to succeed there."
The player admitted, though, that he has yet to speak with Zidane regarding his plan. He understood that the French manager is preoccupied with preparing the players for the resumption of the La Liga games this June.
And despite his admission of wanting to play for Real next season, Ceballos assured that his mind and body belong to Arsenal at the moment. The playmaker said the Gunners are looking to qualify for the Champions League next season, and the plan is to wrap the season as part of the Top 4.
He is in synch with Arteta's goal of closing the season with Arsenal in good standing, and Ceballos said he is focused on contributing to the club to achieve the manager's set target.
Ceballos added that he is grateful to Arteta for believing in him. According to Metro, the player admitted to having a good relationship with his manager.
"He has given me confidence and now I am focused on ending the season in the best possible way and achieving our goals," the midfielder was reported as saying.
