Arsenal do not intend to extend Dani Ceballos' stay beyond this summer/Midfielder to return to Real Madrid – El Confidencial

Posted Wednesday, May 13, 2020 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Reports stemming from the Spanish media suggest that Arsenal have decided against attempting to extend Dani Ceballos' loan beyond this season, meaning his return to Real Madrid now looks certain.

Arsenal switch

Spanish midfielder Ceballos joined the Gunners last summer, on a season-long loan.

The highly-regarded 23-year-old was brought to the Emirates as a replacement-of-sorts for Aaron Ramsey, who of course departed north London for Italian giants Juventus following the expiration of his contract.

And, though Ceballos was fresh off the back of a difficult campaign with Real, his signing was nevertheless viewed as quite a coup for Arsenal.

Ceballos struggling

The Spaniard, though, has since gone on to endure a somewhat hit-and-miss stint in the colours of the Gunners.

While he has managed to showcase his unquestionable quality on occasion, with starring performances versus the likes of Burnley and Bournemouth, all told, Ceballos has simply failed to make the kind of impact at the Emirates that fans would no doubt have hoped for.

In fact, through a combination of injury struggles, competition for places and general inconsistencies, the former Real Betis man has notched starts in just 10 of Arsenal's 28 Premier League fixtures.

To his credit, before the campaign was halted, Ceballos had reclaimed his place in Mikel Arteta's midfield, but the COVID-19 outbreak swiftly put an end to the 23-year-old's return to form.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Arsenal FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Real return imminent

As such, for some time now, it has remained altogether unclear what Arsenal's plans for Ceballos entail.

The Spanish international, on his day, is a genuine difference maker, but unfortunately for Ceballos, he has simply been unable to showcase such a level on a consistent basis during his time in England.

And, as outlined above, for this very reason, the Real Madrid-owned midfielder looks altogether unlikely to be handed the chance to impress at the Emirates beyond the finish of the current campaign.

As per a report from Spanish outlet El Confidencial, Arsenal, despite claims to the contrary, have no intention of attempting to extend Ceballos' loan into next season.

In addition, the Betis' youth product's current Gunners deal does not contain an option to buy, meaning he now looks certain to return to the Bernabeu ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.