Arsenal have sort of become synonymous with the word ‘average’ these days. After becoming the household joke for being the side who had made the 4th place their regular home, the Gunners failed to even muster a top-four finish last season and it’s unlikely that’ll happen this time either.
The positive aspect of not finishing in the top four is that the club can’t hide their weaknesses like they did for so many years under Arsene Wenger.
According to recent reports, the club are being linked with a move for Real Madrid start Dani Ceballos. The Spaniard is expected to replace Jack Wilshere who is yet to sign an extension at the club. His contract expires in the summer.
The depth has been a problem as well. Santi Cazorla has been struggling with an injury for a long time now and Granit Xhaka has been inconsistent. The need to add more numbers is imperative if the Gunners are to challenge the top 4 sides next season.
Dani Ceballos to Arsenal – Good move?
Well, you can’t accuse Wenger of not promoting young players, regardless of whether they’re from the academy or not. Ceballos has shown that he has the potential to be a future Spain regular but needs the game time to progress in his career.
Arsenal’s midfield has been a mess at times as they’ve lacked the creativity, relying too much on Mesut Ozil, and at times the steel to protect leads. Ceballos can do a little bit of both and will be a long-term signing.
Still only 21, he’ll have the time to adapt to the Premier League.
Style of play
A strong exponent of tackling and intercepting the ball, Ceballos is also consistent with his passing, something which is expected considering he’s a Spaniard. Wenger’s side will benefit from the fact that Ceballos has already rubbed shoulders with the likes of Kroos and Modric and knows how to get to good positions and read the game.
Prior to last season, Ceballos was one of the best performers for Real Betis, so he has played regularly in the top-flight. Obviously getting used to the pace of the Premier League will take some time, but if Arsenal have the chance to sign a talented player like Ceballos, they shouldn’t let it pass!