ARSENAL’S hopes of signing Dani Ceballos were given a boost as Zinedine Zidane put him on a list of stars who could leave Real Madrid this summer, according to reports.
Zidane needs to cut down his current squad of 37 – including those out on loan – to fit within the 25-man quota for next season.
And it is thought Ceballos, 23, could well be one of the 12 at risk of facing the chop – as well as the likes of Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez.
According to the Daily Star, the Gunners will be hopeful of securing a new deal for the man they have on loan at the Emirates until June 30 – either on loan again or on a permanent deal.
He has made 24 appearances for Arsenal this season, but spent almost two months on the sidelines through injury which halted his momentum having started in the Gunners’ first 11 league matches.
Throughout the campaign, it has been unclear if Ceballos would return to Real Madrid where he is desperate to break into the first team, stay at Arsenal or move elsewhere to advance his career.
Ceballos previously said: “I finish my contract on June 30 but I would have to continue to play for Arsenal. How would that work? I don’t know.
“It would be irresponsible from my side to talk about my future. The most important thing will be to be important for my new team.
“I came to Arsenal to be an important player but in the last month that all disappeared.”
However, Arsenal could be dealt a major blow.
LaLiga rivals Valencia and Real Betis have both already made contact with Los Blancos to secure a permanent transfer once the window reopens – and Real are willing to listen to offers.
Martin Odegaard has impressed on loan with Real Sociedad, Marco Asensio will be available after his ACL injury soon and Zidane is also targetting some summer business.
Valencia attempted a swoop in January but Ceballos was struggling with an injury and Real denied the move – however, they could go in again.
Betis, though, could be the preferred destination of the midfielder with reports suggesting he is keen for a return.
Ceballos came through the academy there and went on to make 105 first-team appearances before signing for Real Madrid in 2017.
