Unai Emery targets former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos for Aston Villa, offering a chance for redemption after his underwhelming stint at the Gunners

Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos pours water on his face during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 29, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos pours water on his face during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 29, 2023. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Unai Emery targets former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos for Aston Villa.
  • Ceballos’ future at Real Madrid is uncertain, opening up possibilities for a transfer.
  • After an underwhelming spell at Arsenal, a move to Villa could provide Ceballos a chance to shine.

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Unai Emery has his eyes firmly set on Real Madrid player Dani Ceballos to strengthen the Aston Villa squad. Emery is familiar with the midfielder’s abilities, having previously signed him on loan during his time as Arsenal manager.

During his tenure at Arsenal, Ceballos showcased moments of brilliance, but his inconsistency on the pitch led to an overall underwhelming performance. The Spaniard had a mixed spell in North London, with highlights often outweighed by periods of lacklustre play, resulting in him being unable to convert his loan into a permanent moven.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal (L) Dani Ceballos of Arsenal (C) and Willian of Arsenal (R) look on as they line up for a free kick during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on November 22, 2020 in Leeds, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal (L) Dani Ceballos of Arsenal (C) and Willian of Arsenal (R) look on as they line up for a free kick during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on November 22, 2020 in Leeds, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Despite Ceballos’ unconvincing spell at Arsenal, Emery remains confident in the player’s abilities. The Villa manager recognises the potential in Ceballos and believes that a fresh start could provide the necessary platform for the player to exhibit his full potential.

Ceballos, whose contract with Madrid expires this summer, has expressed doubts about his future at the Spanish club. His uncertainty has opened the doors for a potential move away from Madrid, with Villa being a possible destination.

Ceballos, however, is apparently not keen on returning to England and would like to remain in Spain, having already reportedly turned down a move to Bayern Munich.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 15: Daniel Ceballos of Real Madrid warms up during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Real Madrid and Liverpool FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 15: Daniel Ceballos of Real Madrid warms up during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Real Madrid and Liverpool FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Emery sees this as an opportunity for Ceballos to redeem himself. Villa, under Emery’s guidance, could provide the ideal environment for Ceballos to regain his form and prove his doubters wrong.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Ceballos’ career, as he decides whether a move to Villa would be the right step for him.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 11: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the Super Copa de Espana match between Real Madrid and Valencia CF at King Fahd International Stadium on January 11, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 11: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the Super Copa de Espana match between Real Madrid and Valencia CF at King Fahd International Stadium on January 11, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Emery, on the other hand, remains determined to bolster his squad and is confident in his ability to convince Ceballos to join Villa’s ambitious project.

Emery is also said to be keen on signing Marco Asensio who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.