Mikel Arteta makes bizarre comment on Arsenal player Dani Ceballos

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Mikel Arteta gave his pre-match press conference yesterday ahead of tonight’s crucial Europa League game against Slavia Prague and some interesting comments emerged.

He made some comments to Football London on the performances of Dani Ceballos – and it’s fair to say they might have raised a few eyebrows among the supporters.

Arteta was quizzed on the on-loan Real Madrid star as well as Martin Odegaard who is also on a temporary switch to the Emirates Stadium from the Spanish giants.

Ceballos is in his second stint in North London but hasn’t really made a real impact since returning to the club during the summer. The central midfielder has failed to score and registered just three assists.

Interestingly – and perhaps somewhat bizarrely, Arteta seems to have been happy with his performances despite a lack of goal contributions across the campaign.

He told Football London: “With the financial problem that we’ve been in we had to find different ways to recruit good players to the club. As well it gives you a possibility to see with your own eyes on a daily basis how those players can improve the team and adapt to the league.

“In both cases, I’m really happy with both of them. It’s a decision that has to be decided at the end of the season because in this case, it’s the same club that is involved. They own both of them and we’ll have these conversations.”

It seems somewhat baffling that Arteta considers himself happy with Ceballos and his performance levels, with plenty of supporters feeling he hasn’t been the same player.

To suggest he’s satisfied with how he has played might be a worry for the fan base, with plenty hoping that he isn’t signing on a permanent basis.

TBR View: Ceballos must improve

The Spaniard last season was hardworking, determined and showcased sublime talent at both ends of the pitch. When he didn’t play, Arsenal were worse for it.

This season, however, he has struggled to get going and has been way below the standards which he produced during 2019/20.

Ceballos is a good player but the consensus among the supporters is that they should go for a better option in midfield next season.

The £51,000-a-week player is still only 24 but Arsenal need to attract better quality ahead of a real battle during 2021/22.

The Gunners need to tell Real Madrid thanks but no thanks when it comes to the conversations about Ceballos in the summer.