Arsenal did not expect to see Dani Ceballos called back to Real Madrid for training this summer after his successful loan spell.
Reports suggest that the Gunners expressed an eagerness to sign him back on loan for one more year but Real are not so willing to let him walk either.
Apparently, Ceballos returned to start training with the Galacticos first team shortly after Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph over Chelsea. ESPN suggests that people close to the situation find this very suspicious. The 24-year-old does not have the best relationship with Zinedine Zidane and the Real boss is likely to prefer Martin Odegaard over Ceballos from next season on.
This might just be Real’s ploy to increase Ceballos’ valuation in the market. Arsenal were hoping for a temporary deal but it seems like they will have to dish out a significant amount on a permanent transfer. In an ideal market, Ceballos could go for upwards of £40m but this is not an ideal scenario.
Due to the financial stress of COVID, player valuations have dropped significantly. Both Arsenal and Real are looking to offload players to raise funds and this should be the Galacticos’ best play. Arteta has grown fond of Ceballos, who expressed an eagerness to adapt and thrive in the new manager’s system. There is no doubt, that even he would like to extend his stay at North London but now, it all depends on the higher-ups of both establishments.
READ MORE: Top 5 Players Arsenal Should Sign This Summer
