Real Madrid loan Ceballos to Arsenal

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has joined Arsenal on a season-long loan, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Tottenham were reportedly leading the chase for the playmaker, who starred as Spain won the Under-21 European Championship last month.

But it is Arsenal who have the north London bragging rights on this occasion, with Ceballos agreeing to a temporary switch from Madrid to Emirates Stadium.

Ceballos signed for Madrid from Real Betis in 2017 but failed to establish himself in his first season at Santiago Bernabeu.

 #HolaDani 

Welcome to The Arsenal, @DaniCeballos46  pic.twitter.com/8gZLggahJZ

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 25, 2019

Zinedine Zidane’s departure at the end of 2017-18 afforded the 22-year-old more opportunities, although he made just three LaLiga appearances following the Frenchman’s return to Los Blancos in March.

Ceballos becomes Unai Emery’s third signing of the close-season after William Saliba – who has been sent back to Saint-Etienne on loan – and young Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli.

“We’re excited to see Dani join us,” Emery told his club’s official website. “He is a talented player with big technical ability, creativity and precision.”

Arsenal have pre-season engagements with Lyon, Angers and Barcelona before beginning their 2019-20 Premier League campaign at Newcastle United on August 11.