Ceballos Joins Arsenal On loan From Real Madrid

Arsenal have completed the signing of Dani Ceballos on a one-year loan deal from Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old midfielder will take the club’s No 8 shirt after becoming Arsenal’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of winger Gabriel Martinelli earlier in the window.

Tottenham also showed an interest in a deal for Ceballos, who says he opted to join the Gunners because of the draw of working with Arsenal’s Spanish manager Unai Emery.

“I knew I had the confidence of the coach, which was very important for me from the start,” he told the club’s website.

“I was aware of the responsibility that wearing this shirt entails and it was a tremendously proud moment when I decided to join Arsenal.

“The coach was the turning point in terms of me joining this massive club. He’s a Spanish coach and he knows me from my time at other clubs. I’m really happy to be able to help Arsenal achieve our objectives.”

Emery said he is delighted to add a player with technical and creative ability into his squad ahead of the 2019/20 season.

“We’re excited to see Dani join us. He is a talented player with big technical ability, creativity and precision,” he said.

Ceballos showed off his full repertoire during Spain’s European U21 Championship campaign this summer. There were long-range stunners, sublime assists, outrageous moments of skill and controlling midfield performances. The 22-year-old captained La Rojita to the trophy, providing a timely reminder of his talents and sparking a race for his signature.

Arsenal have now won it, bringing in Ceballos on a season-long loan despite interest from Tottenham. He becomes their first major signing of the summer. As well as suiting their limited budget, it is a deal which should afford Ceballos the game-time he wasn’t getting at Real Madrid. It should also equip Arsenal’s midfield with the qualities it lacks.