According to La Razon, Real Madrid are ready to offload Dani Ceballos in the summer. The on-loan Arsenal midfielder is set to return to the Bernabeu after the end of the season and has attracted interest from former club Real Betis. It is believed that Los Blancos are willing to sell Ceballos for a fee of €25 million, leaving it up to either Betis or Arsenal to secure his services this summer.
Dani Ceballos’ Spell At Arsenal So Far
Dani Ceballos’ first season at Arsenal was a mixed one as he struggled to succeed under Unai Emery, though mainly due to the club’s overall struggles. However, the Spaniard made an excellent comeback during the second half of the campaign, becoming a first-team regular under Mikel Arteta. His inspiring form even influenced Arsenal to extend the loan contract for another season last summer.
Unfortunately, the Real Madrid midfielder has struggled to rekindle that form so far this term. He has had his issues with fitness but perhaps, more importantly, the former Betis star has fallen behind Granit Xhaka and new signing Thomas Partey in the pecking order. As a result, Ceballos has made only 11 starts in the Premier League so far.
The 24-year-old did, however, impress in the recent win over Leeds United and remains a key player for the club’s cup competitions, especially following the departure of Joe Willock.
Should Arsenal Secure The Permanent Transfer Of Ceballos?
In terms of Arsenal’s squad depth, Ceballos’ prolonged stay at Emirates could certainly make sense as Mikel Arteta does indeed lack quality options in the middle of the park. Partey has had issues with fitness since joining the club while Mohamed Elneny simply doesn’t provide the quality.
Ceballos, in that regard, could be an excellent alternative for Arteta in the midfield unit. However, from a tactical perspective, the Spaniard doesn’t make much sense.
The 24-year-old’s inability to provide defensive solidity, in particular, makes him a misfit under Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 setup that already accommodates a host of attack-minded players including Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard.
The Gunners, therefore, could welcome someone who can provide a more like for like alternative for the first-choice midfielders in Xhaka and Partey. Someone like Franck Kessie, for one, could be an ideal solution, although the AC Milan star is destined to attract a sizable valuation due to his performances in the Serie A this campaign.
