Real Madrid reject Arsenal’s proposal to extend Ceballos’ loan

Real Madrid have rejected Arsenal’s proposal to extend Dani Ceballos’ loan and expect him to report for pre-season training, according to Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

Ceballos was a bit part player for the Gunners for much of the season due to injuries and a lack of form. He began getting regular game time at Arsenal in February and since then, has been one of the club’s standout performers. He is now considered an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s plans and the North London club are keen to keep him on loan for the upcoming season.

The Gunners got in touch with Real Madrid’s general director, Jose Angel Sanchez, to extend the former Betis midfielder’s loan for another year but failed to reach an agreement. 

Arsenal were unwilling to pay a £3.6 million loan fee and tried to change the terms of their existing loan agreement. The North London club paid Ceballos’ wages in full for the 2019/20 season but proposed that they and Real Madrid split the player’s wages for the upcoming campaign. 

The Spanish giants rejected these new terms that Arsenal proposed and as a result, have asked Ceballos to return to the club for pre-season training. 

The La Liga champions have decided to recall Martin Odegaard and integrate him into the first team this season. This has caused the media to speculate that the Madrid based club will opt for a similar strategy with Dani Ceballos. The reality, however, is that the 24 year old is not a part of Zidane’s plans and if a suitable offer for the player is received, Real will willingly offload him. 

The Spanish midfielder wants regular game time next season as his priority is to be a part of the Spanish national team at either next year’s Olympics or European Championship. He is unlikely to play consistently at Real Madrid and so will want to leave the club this summer.