Arsenal have been dealt a huge blow in their hopes of keeping Dani Ceballos at the club as Real Madrid have decided to retain the midfielder for their pre-season, according to reports in Spain.
The midfielder was outstanding in his final few months under Mikel Arteta and ended his loan by helping the gunners beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup.
Arteta has made it clear that he wants Ceballos to remain at the Emirates for another season after he formed a solid partnership with Granit Xhaka in midfield.
The gunners were hopeful of reaching a new agreement with La Liga champions Real Madrid to extend Ceballos’ loan and possibly include an option to sign the midfielder.
But, AS reports that Real Madrid have now reconsidered the player’s future after his good displays for Arsenal.
It’s claimed that Madrid are convinced that Ceballos can become a regular in the first team and they want him to be given the upcoming pre-season to display his ability.
However, AS report that the final decision over whether the player will be part of the Spanish side’s squad remains with Zinedine Zidane.
Ceballos initially pushed to leave Spain after failing to secure first-team football under Zidane.
Ceballos has made no secret of his desire to become a key player of Real Madrid’s midfield but the Spanish midfielder has also made it clear that he wants to play regular football.
Speaking after Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley, Ceballos said: ‘I want to play 35 games [next season] at least. ‘I am one of those who say that when you are happy, you develop your game.’
