Tottenham officials reportedly met with Dani Ceballos’s family as they thought they had secured his signature only for Unai Emery to swoop in and grab him for Arsenal.
Earlier this week Arsenal announced the arrival of Dani Ceballos on a season-long loan from Real Madrid. Although the 22-year-old arrives without a purchase option in his loan agreement, he should prove a quality, if only temporary, Aaron Ramsey replacement.
Yet Spurs must have thought they had a deal wrapped up for him.
AS: Tottenham officials had even meet Ceballos´ family and the player himself before the Euros U21 and everything was going well, until Unai stepped in and talked with Ceballos
— Renato (@rehnato) July 25, 2019
Ceballos spoke about Unai Emery when he arrived and it was clear the Spaniard played a large part in the midfielder’s decision, something that had been reported earlier in the month.
“I knew I had the confidence of the coach, which was very important for me from the start,” Ceballos told Arsenal.com.
“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.
“He’s a very tactical coach and I think that’s going to really help me to perfect my positioning. I think we’re both going to try our best to make me a better player.”
Zinedine Zidane, meanwhile, has explained why he sent Ceballos on loan amid reports the pair don’t get on.