Real Madrid: Arsenal not the only Premier League club linked to Dani Ceballos
Real Madrid center midfielder Dani Ceballos is expected to stay at Arsenal, but another Premier League club may get involved.
Dani Ceballos has been a revelation for Arsenal since the Premier League’s return. It seemed like the Real Madrid center midfielder was unsettled in the winter transfer window, as the Gunners were transitioning to new leadership under Mikel Arteta. Ceballos’ role had waned under Unai Emery despite a promising start to the season.
Although it seemed like Ceballos could get a new loan deal to La Liga, that was never likely. Instead, Ceballos stayed at Arsenal, had a positive dialogue with his new manager, worked his tail off, and eventually became arguably the Gunners’ most important midfield player.
Now, it seems likely that Ceballos will either stay one more year in North London or earn a permanent transfer, since it will be exceedingly difficult for the former Real Betis man to get regular playing time in Madrid.
Arsenal are the clear favorites to keep Ceballos, but another powerhouse club in the Premier League may have something to say about that.
According to a report from Neil Fissler of The Express, Manchester City are considering making a swoop for Ceballos, meaning Arteta’s old mentor Pep Guardiola could add the Spanish standout to his star-studded midfield.
Manchester City are one of the few teams who could have a busy summer. They already sold Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich and are looking to replace him with impressive right winger Ferran Torres, who has long been on Los Blancos’ radar.
The Citizens could easily afford Ceballos, who can be purchased at a discount rate with Real Madrid seeking to raise 180 million euros in funds this summer. Ceballos is a great midfielder who would deserve a long-term future at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Los Blancos can’t guarantee anything.
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Since he’s enjoying his football at the Emirates Stadium, it would be ideal for Ceballos to stay with Arsenal and become a fan favorite there. But the “evil genius” Guardiola may have a plan cooked up, and Ceballos could also flourish at the Etihad Stadium. The highest bidder will win, but if it’s close, Arsenal should have the edge due to the established loan partnership.