Ceballos throws further doubt on Real return

There have been plenty of reports suggesting Dani Ceballos, currently on loan at Arsenal, would not be playing for Real Madrid next season. Now, the midfielder appears to have put his return to the Santiago Bernabeu in even graver doubt.

Arsenal are believed to be keen to turn his loan spell into a permanent deal, but in the current financial climate, it remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to afford it. Valencia have been named as interested too.

Speaking to Spanish radio Cadena SER about his options, Ceballos made it clear he was the master of his own fate, as well as that he wants to play regularly next season. However, he doesn’t expect he would be able to get his wish in Zinedine Zidane’s team. He refused to rule anything out; he could stay in the Premier League. He is happy at Arsenal and he respects them. On the other hand, a return to Real Betis, where he started his career and played until he joined Los Blancos in 2017, is also an option.