Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos discusses future and admits Real Betis temptation

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Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos has been discussing his future at parent club Real Madrid, and appeared to hint at being open to a return to former club Real Betis. 

The Spanish under-21 star arrived at Arsenal last summer from Real Madrid with Unai Emery a huge fan of the player. 

However, an injury curtailed his impact at The Emirates and he then had to wait patiently to get a chance under new boss Mikel Arteta. 

He did that and speaking to Canal Sur this week, as relayed by Diario AS, he admitted tough times in North London but felt he had turned a corner before the lockdown. 

“The year started with great enthusiasm, a new challenge, in a great club like Arsenal, with Emery, who gave me a lot of confidence. But in November, by playing every game, I was the only one who had played the previous 17, an untimely injury came, the first I have had as a professional, and it was quite serious, I was away for almost three months. Then when I had the opportunity I made clear my intentions to succeed at Arsenal.

“Just before the confinement arrived I was at a good level. With Mikel, he has a philosophy of play similar to that of City, I felt very comfortable, playing at a great level.”

Undoubtedly, Ceballos’ was in Arteta’s good books before football was postponed. But next season it remains to be seen where Ceballos might be playing.

The midfielder wants to be playing regularly in order to force his way into Span squads for both the postponed Olympic Games and European Championships. He was asked whether a return to Betis would be an option and it appears the 23-year-old would be open to that move. 

“When there are Euro Cups and the Olympic Games, you have to find a team where you feel important. But the future is now far away, we have been practically two months without playing, with uncertainty weeks ago, so predict what It will happen in a month and a half, not even the best fortune tellers know it.

“I will not deny that my team is Betis. It is the team that I love, the one that has made me grow as a footballer and professional. The feeling I have towards that club is different from all those in which I’ve been.”

Arsenal can reportedly (Mirror) sign Ceballos for £36 million this summer, with the midfield maestro not wanted by current Real coach Zinedine Zidane. 

However, such a fee would need to drop amid the current situation for Arsenal to have any chance of securing his services.

But even if they could, any approach from Betis would seemingly be looked upon more favourable for this Verdiblanco.