Crystal Palace are reportedly planning a swoop for out-of-favour Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in the summer.
According to Fichajes, the Eagles are willing to shell out €18million (£15million) to sign the Spanish international.
Ceballos was earmarked for greatness when he signed for Real Madrid in 2017. But his career has stalled, and he has managed just 62 appearances for the club in all competitions.
The 25-year-old was loaned to Arsenal for a couple of years, but failed to make much of an impact in England despite featuring regularly. Ceballos managed just two goals and five assists in 77 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
He has since returned to Real Madrid, but has struggled to earn regular game time under Carlo Ancelotti and is pushing for a move away.
Ceballos, who has been capped 11 times by Spain, has just one year left on his current contract.
Is Dani Ceballos the spark Crystal Palace need?
Patrick Vieira has done a fine job rebuilding the Crystal Palace side since he took over in the summer. The former Arsenal midfielder has overseen the departures of veterans like Mamadou Sakho and Andros Townsend, while bringing in young talent in the shape of Conor Gallagher, Michael Olise, and Odsonne Edouard among others.
Crystal Palace have made an inquiry about Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos. (Fichajes) pic.twitter.com/uplPWnFIsC
— Transfer News Central (@TransferNewsCen) March 1, 2022
Gallagher has been one of Crystal Palace’s best players this season, but he is set to return to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell, forcing Vieira to delve into the market for replacements. In that context, Ceballos could be a decent option.
The Spaniard is still only 25 and has plenty of Premier League experience, having made 49 appearances for the Gunners.
Ceballos will add plenty of quality to the Palace midfield. He is versatile and can play as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role behind the striker. The Spaniard possesses great vision and dribbling ability, which helps him beat high presses and advance the ball forward. He also has a fantastic passing range and can unlock defences with pinpoint through balls.
During his time with Arsenal, he averaged over 50 passes per game, as well as 3+ long balls. He does not shirk his defensive responsibilities either; he averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the 2020-21 season.
A move to Palace would help Ceballos resurrect his career, whilst giving the Eagles a dynamic midfielder with plenty of experience at the highest levels of the game.
