Report: Arsenal may face Manchester City competition for Dani Ceballos

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Arsenal’s hopes of keeping Dani Ceballos beyond his current spell may have been dealt a blow, with the Daily Express reporting that Manchester City are lurking in the race to sign the midfielder.

After a slow start, Ceballos has proved to be an inspired loan signing for the Gunners. He has enjoyed a significant upturn in form under Mikel Arteta and been one of the club’s most impressive performers since the season started again.

Unsurprisingly, Arsenal are hoping to keep Ceballos for another loan spell, according to the Express.

And they have received a boost, according to the report, with Zinedine Zidane having decided that the Spaniard has no future with parent club Real Madrid.

However, Pep Guardiola may be hoping to put a stumbling block in Arteta’s way. The Express claims that the Cityzens are monitoring the 23-year-old and could make a move if Ceballos does not stay at Arsenal.

Of course, that would suggest that the ball is in the Gunners’ court. However, the Express also notes that Madrid may be tempted to cash in and sell him permanently, and that may leave the door open for City.

TBR View: Arsenal keeping Ceballos would provide huge boost to Arteta

There will be a lot of excitement and anticipation ahead of Arteta’s first full season at the Emirates. There have been signs that the club are making progress under his guidance. But the pressure will surely increase after he has had a summer window.

Losing Ceballos in the coming weeks would therefore, be a big blow. He has shone in recent games and the large majority of fans will be keen to see him stay.

It may not be ideal to agree another loan move. But the supporters will be hoping that there may be scope for a permanent deal further down the line.