Just last week we covered reports saying that Arsenal’s negotiator Dick Law would travel to Spain to discuss a deal for Dani Ceballos.

The Spanish U21 international led Real Betis’ successful promotion charge last season and, as a teenager, has caught the limelight.

Liverpool and Real Madrid were said to be interested in the player but it felt like Arsenal were making progress with Law heading out to Spain to meet Arsenal’s Spanish scout Francis Cagigao before discussing the possibility of a deal.

However, according to radio station Cadena COPE Real Madrid now look to have stolen a march on the English clubs in the race for Ceballos’ signature. The midfielder has been dubbed the ‘new Cesc Fàbregas’ thanks to his eye for a pass and is clearly quite the talent to be attracting this much attention.

With just one year left on his Real Betis contract, this is the time to swoop for the youngster but how could a young Spanish star say no to Real Madrid if they come knocking?

The Gunners seem constantly linked with the Spanish giants in this transfer window, with the name Asier Illarramendi popping up occasionally and alleged ‘updates’ from Twitter accounts and ‘ITKs’ constantly telling us the latest about Karim Benzema.

Now under Benitez, Madrid drew their first game of the La Liga season on Sunday and any chance of them letting Benzema go just seems slimmer as they looked toothless without him.