Remember Dani Ceballos, the midfielder who once graced the Arsenal midfield? He has extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2027 despite reports he would leave for free this summer.

Despite facing stiff competition in the squad and a stint at Arsenal, Ceballos remains committed to Madrid’s future.

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)
  • Dani Ceballos renews his contract with Real Madrid until 2027, putting an end to a period of uncertainty.
  • Former Arsenal loanee commits to Madrid despite facing fierce competition in the midfield.
  • The player’s decision came after a successful season, playing 46 games and clocking close to 2,000 minutes.

Dani Ceballos, the Spanish midfielder who once donned the Arsenal jersey on loan, has secured his future with Real Madrid.

After a period of uncertainty, the 26-year-old has signed a contract that extends his commitment to the Spanish giants until 2027.

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)

The confirmation of Ceballos’s renewal follows a cascade of contract extensions at Madrid.

Key players such as Toni Kroos and Nacho have also put pen to paper, solidifying their places in the team for the foreseeable future.

However, it is Ceballos’s decision that has caught much attention, especially considering his past association with Arsenal.

Ceballos’s extension doesn’t guarantee his continuity at the club with talk he could even be sold this summer.

The midfield at Madrid is notably competitive, with talented players like Kroos, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni vying for a spot.

Yet, Ceballos’s willingness to stay and fight for his position speaks volumes about his commitment.

His place in the team was even more doubtful when he struggled to find his footing under Carlo Ancelotti’s management.

Arsenal ex player news - SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 27: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid celebrates the team's victory after the final whistle of the LaLiga Santander match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 27, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 27: Dani Ceballos of Real Madrid celebrates the team’s victory after the final whistle of the LaLiga Santander match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 27, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Despite these challenges, he managed to win over fans and played 46 games, clocking close to 2,000 minutes by the end of the last season.

“Where some only see what is difficult, others look for the opportunity. Where some give up, others do not stop fighting for our dreams.

“Excited and happy to continue 4 more years in the best club in the world. The dream continues”, Ceballos shared on his social media platforms following the official announcement.

Ceballos has wore the Madrid shirt in 120 games over four seasons, during which he has won 11 titles.

His impressive record includes two European Cups, three Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, one League, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cups.

He also won the FA Cup with Arsenal.