Ceballos reveals desire to star for Real after Arsenal loan
Dani Ceballos has confirmed his intention to fight for a place at Real Madrid after spending two seasons on loan with Arsenal.
The Spaniard was heavily linked with a permanent Gunners move prior to rejoining Los Blancos.
In February, reports suggested Arsenal would have to pay £22million for his services.
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They were considering a bid but have now let Ceballos return to Spain.
And it seems he won’t be coming back to England any time soon after revealing his desire to represent Real.
“I really want to win at Real Madrid, I’ll fight to stay here,” Ceballos told Spanish source Diario AS (via Mirror).
“The experience with Arsenal in the Premier League made me stronger, now it’s time to win at Real Madrid.
“It’s clear, I would like to play at Real Madrid.
“But I have to know what the coach wants and there have to be objectives.
“But my intention is to play the coming year at Real Madrid.”
It remains to be seen whether new manager Carlo Ancelotti sees Ceballos as a potential starter.
The 24-year-old will have to compete with current midfielders Luka Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde.
Ancelotti has been active in scouting players since taking over at the Bernabeu. He’s lined up potential moves for Premier League stars Timo Werner and Richarlison.
The Italian could allow Ceballos to leave Real if he has any doubts over the player’s ability.
Ceballos originally joined Arsenal on loan in July 2019. He made 37 appearances in all competitions and helped the Gunners to lift the FA Cup and Community Shield.
Arteta was keen to keep the midfielder for another campaign and confirmed his loan had been extended in September.
Ceballos featured 25 times in the Premier League last term as they finished eighth in the table, behind rivals Tottenham.
Martin Odegaard was also linked with a permanent Arsenal move before the end of the season.
His price tag was set at £52m, with Arteta rumoured to be pushing for a transfer.
But the north London side have suffered a blow as Odegaard is now set to stay in Spain.
