Dani Ceballos, ex-Arsenal midfielder, is closer to extending his tenure at Real Madrid, following a new offer that’s inching towards his expectations.

Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos (C) and teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) final football match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on May 6, 2023. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos (C) and teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) final football match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on May 6, 2023. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Real Madrid have presented a new renewal offer to Dani Ceballos, coming close to the former Arsenal midfielder’s demands.
  • Other teams, including Betis and clubs from the Italian Serie A, are closely monitoring Ceballos’s situation at Real Madrid.
  • The arrival of Jude Bellingham may influence Ceballos’s decision, increasing competition for starting places in the team.

Former Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos is edging closer to extending his contract at Real Madrid, following a revised offer by the club.

The latest proposal is close to what Ceballos seeks, though it still falls short of his set expectations. Even so, the prospect of his stay, which seemed distant earlier, is now gaining traction.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid looks dejected following the team's defeat during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Manchester City FC and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 17: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid looks dejected following the team’s defeat during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match between Manchester City FC and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on May 17, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

While this unfolds, other clubs including Betis and some from the Italian Serie A, are keeping an eye on Ceballos’s situation at Real Madrid. Notwithstanding, Ceballos has consistently prioritised Real Madrid.

Despite receiving offers earlier in January, the Andalusian chose to stay, seeking more playing minutes.

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 30: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid is interviewed as Carlos Alcarez of Spain plays against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria during the men's third round match on Day Seven of the Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica on April 30, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid is interviewed as Carlos Alcarez of Spain plays against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria during the men’s third round match on Day Seven of the Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica on April 30, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

This situation draws parallels to the recent case of Marco Asensio, who turned down a similar proposal by Real Madrid.

Ceballos, like Asensio, is currently pondering over his decision. The club’s management hopes for some reflection time before the final choice is made.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s manager, expressed last Saturday that the potential departure of any of these players would be a blow.

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)

However, he, like any other coach, can’t guarantee their desired playing time. Ceballos has seen an increase in his importance over the season, but it’s still below his perceived requirement.

An additional layer to Ceballos’s decision is the impending arrival of Jude Bellingham, who is likely to be a regular starter.

DORTMUND, GERMANY - MAY 27: Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund looks dejected following the team's draw, as they finish second in the Bundesliga behind FC Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Signal Iduna Park on May 27, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 27: Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund looks dejected following the team’s draw, as they finish second in the Bundesliga behind FC Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Signal Iduna Park on May 27, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The English midfielder’s addition could further complicate Ceballos’s quest for more playing time.

In light of these developments, Real Madrid’s latest offer to Ceballos marks a significant step in their efforts to retain him.

Yet, the ball remains in the player’s court, with the decision set to significantly impact Real Madrid’s midfield dynamics in the coming season.