Arteta says £15m loanee has told him he wants to join Arsenal

Posted Friday, August 28, 2020 by hitc.com

Arsenal’s season kicks off on Saturday and we’re no closer to knowing what the story is with Dani Ceballos.

The Gunners meet Liverpool at Wembley this weekend, after winning the FA Cup at the beginning of August.

One of the reasons for that success was Ceballos, who posted a virtuoso midfield display against Chelsea in the final and although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored both goals, it was the Spaniard who many Arsenal fans were raving about at full-time.

The Real Madrid-owned star joined the North Londoners in a £15 million loan arrangement last summer [The Sun] but there’s confusion as to whether he’ll be returning to Mikel Arteta’s side on a permanent basis.

The Telegraph reported earlier this week that AC Milan were hoping to beat Arsenal to his signing, while Real Betis are also credited with an interest.

But according to Arteta, the player is happy enough to come back to the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking to Football London ahead of the Community Shield clash with Liverpool, Arteta said: “We had talks. He was clear his intention was to remain with us. We don’t know what Real Madrid want to do with the player.”

That last bit is important because although Ceballos might want to stay at Arsenal, Real Madrid clearly have a big say in the matter.

But if the Gunners stump up the money for him – thought to be £22.6 million [Marca] – then it would seem there’s a good chance of a permanent move materialising.