Dani Ceballos of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London. (Getty Images)
According to Spanish outlet AS (h/t The Sun), Real Madrid are demanding £44million for the sale of on-loan Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos.
With the coronavirus crisis putting a lot of clubs including Real Madrid in a spot of bother, the La Liga giants have decided to not loan out Ceballos in case they fail to land new signings. However, the report claims that Zidane is willing to let go of Ceballos for the right price. He is ready to accept bids of at least £44m for the midfielder.
With Toni Kroos and Luka Modric still running the show at the Bernabeau, Madrid decided to send Ceballos on loan to Arsenal.
However, it hasn’t turned out to be the best of seasons for the 23-year-old, as he was sidelined for a major share of this season owing to injuries. Ceballos still managed to make 24 appearances for the Gunners in his debut season in England.
Despite not putting up an impressive display, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen on keeping him, with the side clearly short of established attacking midfielders in their midst.
A second loan spell for Ceballos looks out of the picture. However, with Arsenal still interested in him, only time will tell what’s in store for the creative midfielder.
A lack of creativity in the middle has seen Arsenal slip down to 9th place in the league rankings this season. The Gunners have managed a mere 40 goals from 29 league outings and are one of the top-10 Premier League sides with a bad attacking record this term.
Only sixth-placed Sheffield United (30) and 10th-placed Burnley (34) have scored fewer goals than them. If not for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored 17 league goals this time, Arsenal would have been in an even difficult spot this season.
Considering Arsenal’s numbers this season, it is clear that the side lacks an established and creative midfielder in its mix. Mesut Ozil has suffered a dip in form, managing just one goal and 2 assists from his 18 league appearances.
With old guard Ozil being the side’s only attacking midfielder at present, Arsenal clearly need someone to initiate their attacks in the midfield. Hence, it would be better if Arsenal secure the services of the versatile Ceballos, who has in the past played that role for former side Real Betis.
A Real Betis academy graduate, Ceballos was a hit in Spain after he helped them gain promotion to the La Liga by winning the Segunda Division in 2014-15 season.
A regular during his time at the Benito Villamarin, Ceballos went on to make 105 appearances for Real Betis before Real Madrid roped in the talented man in 2017. Considering his displays in the past, there is no denying Ceballos’ talent, which a side like Arsenal could make use of right now.
Moreover, a move to the Emirates will also offer Ceballos a chance to revive his career after being kept constantly on the sidelines at Real Madrid. Hence, Arsenal must try to reach an agreement with Ceballos’ parent club and try landing him soon.
Arsenal just have one attacking midfielder in Mesut Ozil and it would only do them a world of good if they sign Ceballos permanently. Moreover, he is still young and can develop further under coach Arteta. Also, by bringing Ceballos, Arsenal will only benefit, with the player itching to prove a point after spending his recent days mostly outside the pitch.
