Dani Ceballos says a return to Arsenal would be a good step for him, but his future depends on Real Madrid and he doesn’t know what they want yet.

Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos smiles as he checks his phone on the pitch ahead of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 15, 2020. (Photo by PAUL CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos smiles as he checks his phone on July 15, 2020. (Photo by PAUL CHILDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky Sports this week, Dani Ceballos seemed very positive about the possibility of a return to Arsenal next season. Whilst it is largely out of his hands, he’s clearly happy in North London and doesn’t have any regrets over his loan move.

When asked about his future, Ceballos detailed the next steps for him before he can commit to anything. First things first, he needs to finish the season. After that, it’s onto meetings in Madrid.

“The fans accepted me very well and my team-mates made everything easy for me. I don’t regret my decision to come to Arsenal in any way, Ceballos said.

“I have to return to Real Madrid and they have to make a decision because I have a contract there for the next three years. Once I know their decision, I will sit down with my family and the people close to me and see what’s best for me next year.

“But the truth is I’m very happy at Arsenal. It’s a club in which I already have a year of experience, so it would be very easy to return. I wouldn’t have to adapt to a new league or new club with a different manager and players.

“I think it would be a good step for me. But like I said, my future depends on Real Madrid and right now I don’t know their decision.”

Should Arsenal re-sign Ceballos?

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Dani Ceballos of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match on July 07, 2020. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

If Real Madrid offer Arsenal another loan move, I don’t think the Gunners should hesitate. This isn’t going to be an easy summer for major transfer business, so just making sure they fill the spot in the immediate future is important.

On a permanent deal, it obviously depends what Real are asking for. If they want £40m+, much as I like Ceballos, I just can’t justify that kind of expenditure. Arsenal need to address other positions too, they can’t blow their entire budget on him.

For £20m, I’d definitely go for it. The club could surely make that money back in a couple of years if things didn’t work out, given Ceballos’ age. Anything between those two numbers and it’s a tough call either way.

Ceballos is certainly in excellent form, and the longer that goes on, the more it looks like he could really play a key role in Mikel Arteta’s team. Fingers crossed he can cap off the initial loan with a trophy.