Dani Ceballos figured prominently in Arsenal's campaign last season. The Spanish playmaker flourished with the Gunners and team manager Mikel Arteta has made clear that Ceballos is wanted at the Emirates. Still, a deal for the player's continued stay with the Premier League is yet to be finalized.
Ceballos played the full 2019-20 season with Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid. The deal, however, does not include an option to buy so at the end of the campaign, the midfielder has to head back to his parent team.
According to Give Me Sport, Ceballos has grown as a key component of the Arsenal gameplay. The 24-year-old is described as a priority signing for Arteta.
"He is much like the glue that holds the Arsenal midfield together and he has all the ability in the world when it comes to moving the ball and also winning it back," the report said.
However, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic that hurt the finances of all football clubs, and including Arsenal, the outright acquisition of Ceballos from Los Blancos seemed not an option for the cash-strapped Arteta's side. The boss has decided to keep his compatriot on the lineup and it is understood that talks on this are now underway.
There is no assurance though that Ceballos will return for the next season as Real will want to cash in on the asset and sell him to interested buyers. Reports said on top of the list on this is the winger's old club of Real Betis.
Metro reported that the Spaniard spurred the rumors of his possible homecoming to Betis when he was spotted wearing the team's shirt while on a holiday. The speculations are anchored too on the recent hints from Ceballos that for him playing for Betis again is possible.
"I have a lot of love for Betis ... They know the love I have for them and we've been in contact all season. Betis means a lot to me," Ceballos was reported as saying.
The likelihood of the player returning to Betis was further heightened by his recent statement that without assurance of playing minutes under Real boss Zinedine Zidane, Ceballos is not keen to fight for a spot at the Bernabeu. He would rather exit from the Spanish giants permanently.
In any case, Arteta has already made clear that Ceballos is "an important player," for Arsenal.
The manager stressed that Ceballos continues to evolve as an important factor in the Arsenal game and the player provides a steady contribution to the team's cause.
