Arsenal are keen on retaining Dani Ceballos beyond the end of the current campaign, likely on loan, according to reports in Spain.

AS (via Sport Witness) claim Arsenal are keen to keep Dani Ceballos beyond the end of the 2019/20 season. They don’t give details on the nature of the move, but given the current financial situation, you’d expect a loan.

Arsenal can’t really afford Real Madrid’s asking price for a permanent move, whatever that price is. Madrid also might not want to sell, and Ceballos doesn’t seem to want to leave permanently.

However, the midfielder is keeping his options open when it comes to his short-term future. He admits his goal is to play in the European Championships and the Olympic Games, which will be easier if he plays regularly next season.

That’s the one thing Arsenal have going for them – the promise of regular game time. Ceballos played every single game before his injury in November, and though it took a while for him to get back into the team under Mikel Arteta, he appeared in seven of the last eight games before the break.

The 23-year-old has a contract until 2023 in Madrid, and he could easily extend it before going on another loan. It might be the best thing for all parties, given the injury and coronavirus somewhat stalled his progress this year.