Danny Murphy urges Arsenal to be prepared to pay £35m for Dani Ceballos

Add as preferred source on Google

Danny Murphy has told the Daily Mail that Dani Ceballos was his man of the match during Saturday’s FA Cup final, and insisted that Arsenal must be prepared to make his move permanent if the Gunners are unable to agree another loan move.

Mikel Arteta’s men rounded off a mixed season in some style as they beat Chelsea at Wembley. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang clinched the man of the match award as his two goals decided the game.

But there is no question that Ceballos was also outstanding. The Spaniard has been a revelation since the season’s resumption, and Arsenal fans will be desperately hoping that he returns next term.

Murphy lauded the midfielder’s display against the Blues. And he insisted that Arsenal cannot afford to miss out on keeping Ceballos, even if they need to pay big money to bring him back to the Emirates.

“Lose Aubameyang and Ceballos and they are in big trouble because it will be very difficult without the attraction of Champions League football to attract players of similar quality without spending an awful lot of money,” he told the Mail.

“That is why it is worth going the extra mile with Aubameyang’s contract if it’s an issue. And if Real insist on Arsenal having to buy Ceballos instead of another loan, the reported fee of £35million seems very reasonable to me. Take him. The money Arsenal will pay to keep both of them will save them money in the long run.”

TBR View: Ceballos’s future has to be a priority for Arsenal

As Murphy alludes to, Ceballos’s form in recent months hints that a £35 million move could prove to be a bargain over the coming years.

The partnership he continues to build with Granit Xhaka has been developing superbly. And like so many in the current Arsenal side, Ceballos appears to look a different player under Arteta’s guidance.

Keeping Aubameyang has to be the priority for Arsenal this summer. But ensuring Ceballos is in their squad for next season will surely not be far behind.