Arteta: “Ceballos’ intention was to stay at Arsenal”

Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos has concluded his one-year loan deal with Arsenal and should be back in training with Real Madrid as soon as Los Blancos begin their preparations for the upcoming 2020-2021 season.

Ceballos’ future is still uncertain, though. The midfielder is probably aware of the fact that he’s not going to be a relevant player for coach Zinedine Zidane next season and that’s why he’s likely keen on another loan deal which gives him the opportunity to play quality minutes. Madrid might have other plans because of the Coronavirus pandemic, though. Los Blancos have already changed their mind about Odegaard and could do the same with Ceballos if they feel like the midfield needs some more depth.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta talked about Ceballos’ future.

“He told me pretty clearly that his intention was to stay at Arsenal but obviously we have to consider that Real Madrid are involved as well and I still don’t know their plan here,” said Arteta.

“We’re obviously interested in a player like him because, as we saw during the last few months of the season, he can give us a lot,” he added.

If Zidane isn’t going to use Ceballos, extending his loan deal to Arsenal makes a lot of sense. Still, the midfielder has taken a step forward and could play some minutes for Madrid in case injuries happen, so unless the French coach decides that he just doesn’t want Ceballos around, it would be wise to keep him.