Arsenal are keeping close tabs on Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, it has been claimed.
Unai Emery’s side are interested in signing Ceballos this summer, it has been claimed by Marca. Apart from the Gunners, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be in the race to acquire his services.
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane rates Ceballos highly but has made it clear that he is not in his plans for the upcoming campaign. Therefore, he is expected to be shipped out of Santiago Bernabeu in the ongoing transfer window.
Reportedly, Arsenal have a budget of merely £45million this summer and are keen to churn a loan deal. They have other areas to address as well and thus, a signing on a temporary basis for the upcoming season will be beneficial for them.
Dani Ceballos: Profile
Ceballos emerged through the youth ranks of Spanish outfit Betis and quickly cemented his place in their senior side. He moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017 but has been on the fringes of their squad.
Last season, the Spanish international was handed merely 13 starts in La Liga and made 10 substitute appearances. In the process, he managed to strike 3 goals and also had an average pass completion rate of 92.6%.
In more recent times, he impressed all with his performances at the European Under-21 Championship and helped his side in clinching the title. However, he needs to play regularly at club level to keep his career on the right track.
Is he a signing Arsenal need to make?
Ceballos is an all-action midfielder and can ply his trade as a central midfielder, central attacking midfielder as well as a winger. He is an astute passer of the ball and his fluidic approach to the game will suit Arsenal.
The north London based outfit lost Aaron Ramsey after the Welshman’s move to Juventus and there is a void in advanced midfield which needs to be filled. Ceballos will be a decent acquisition in that respect.
The 22-year-old not only cushions the backline adequately but also launches himself forward to create chances and to score goals. He is very decisive in his tackling and has excellent spatial awareness around him.
However, he lacks command in the aerial duels and his crosses need to improve. Besides, he understandably lacks experience of the Premier League and it is to be seen whether Emery actually goes all out to sign him or not.
Having said that, he is worth a gamble. Arsenal are running on a tight budget and bringing someone as talented as him into their armoury on loan would enhance the competition for a place in Emery’s starting lineup next season with a marginal outflow of cash.