Dani Ceballos has still played more minutes for Arsenal than Real Madrid yet the Spanish press are talking about him ‘betraying’ Real Madrid by leaving on a free after they finally got round to offering him a new deal.

Dani Ceballos has never made any secret of the fact he wants to make it as a Real Madrid player.

But, despite signing for them in 2017, the midfielder has still played more minutes for Arsenal than he has his parent club (4,175 v 4,711).

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it looked as if his Real Madrid journey was finally coming to an end, but injuries have given him a chance in the side since the start of the year and he has won over the fans and management.

As a result, a new deal has been offered.

Ceballos, however, is apparently in no rush to sign it and I can’t say that I blame him.

I’m no fan of the 26-year-old, and think his time at Arsenal was largely rubbish, but why would he renew with Madrid when the likes of Real Betis – where he started his football journey – are ready to offer him a lot of money and guaranteed playing time?

As a free agent, Ceballos is reportedly negotiating with his representatives to secure a bonus of €10m from whatever club that he signs with.

Among the available options, Real Betis is reportedly willing to pay the bonus as they have been waiting for the return of their ‘prodigal son’ for years.

Ceballos, who is from Utrera, has always been a loyal supporter of Real Betis, and he has expressed his willingness to return to the club that helped him develop. It doesn’t hurt that Betis are currently experiencing one of their best sporting seasons in years, and Ceballos believes that this is the perfect time to go back to his roots.

This has not gone down well with some in the Spanish media who are accusing him of considering betraying Real Madrid.

€10m or a place back on the bench when Real Madrid’s first choice midfielders are fit again?

Doesn’t seem like much of a choice – or betrayal – to me.