Dani Ceballos decided to opt for an Arsenal loan move over joining Tottenham Hotspur after a phone call from Unai Emery, according to reports in Spain.

UDINE, ITALY - JUNE 30: Dani Ceballos of Spain celebrates the victory with the trophy at the end the 2019 UEFA U-21 Final between Spain and Germanyat Stadio Friuli on June 30, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)UDINE, ITALY - JUNE 30: Dani Ceballos of Spain celebrates the victory with the trophy at the end the 2019 UEFA U-21 Final between Spain and Germanyat Stadio Friuli on June 30, 2019 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY – JUNE 30: Dani Ceballos of Spain celebrates the victory with the trophy at the end the 2019 UEFA U-21 Final between Spain and Germany at Stadio Friuli on June 30, 2019, in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

El Confidencial report that to try and convince Ceballos to join Arsenal this summer, Emery personally called the midfielder. He explained that the 22-year-old would be an important piece of his team this season, and impressed the player with his argument.

Ceballos had an offer from Tottenham Hotspur as well, but he’s now keen to play under Emery. Real Madrid also prefer that the midfielder joins Arsenal on loan, rather than leaving permanently or playing for a Spanish rival.

David Ornstein recently confirmed on the BBC website that Arsenal are working on a deal to sign the Madrid man on loan, as a temporary way to fill the hole in the side left by Aaron Ramsey.

The Mirror report that Arsenal are willing to pay Ceballos’ £2.7m-a-year wages in full, given that will still have significantly less impact on the budget than other midfield signings.

It’s just about getting this deal finalised and over the line now, with Zinedine Zidane’s agreement seemingly the last piece in the puzzle.