Arsenal: Only one bad thing about Dani Ceballos deal

Arsenal are pushing to sign Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos on loan this summer. There is only one bad thing about the deal: it is temporary.

Much of Arsenal’s summer transfer window has focused on three positions: left-back, centre-back and the wings. Almost all of the players that they have been linked to, one way or another, has played in one of those positions, and almost all of their energy and resources have been geared towards addressing those positions.

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But while they are the most pressing needs of the team, as most would agree, that does not mean there are not other areas that require investment. There are, and at the top of the list is central midfield after Aaron Ramsey’s departure.

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Thankfully, it seems as though the Gunners have a solution for this as well, despite conducting deals with a measly £40 million budget. Last week, it emerged that Arsenal were pressing forwards for a loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, who shone for Spain’s Euro-winning under-21 team. Ceballos is viewed as an ideal Ramsey replacement, a creative, possession-based midfielder who also has a goalscoring knack and the required athleticism of the modern game.

The Spanish midfielder might not be a household name, but he has the natural quality to fill Ramsey’s rather sizeable shoes. At this summer’s under 21 European Championships, he had the joint-most assists, the most chances created, the most dribbles, and the most final-third passes. He also scored twice, including a stunner in Spain’s turnaround win over Italy in the group stage.

There is only one problem with this deal: it is temporary. Signing Ceballos on loan would only help fill Arsenal’s central midfield void for this season. Next summer, they would need to invest in the position once again, unless if Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe make remarkable strides forward.

There have been suggestions that the Gunners have made a permanent offer, however, I find these difficult to believe. Ceballos himself has stated that he wants to stay in Madrid for the remainder of his career and is only looking to a loan deal this summer to ensure that he is handed regular playing time, which he will not get at the Bernabeu and may receive in north London.

If Ceballos was available on a permanent transfer, it would be a sensational coup. He is one of the hottest talents in world football. Signing that type of player is not what Arsenal are used to in their current state. But even on a loan, Ceballos is a wise move, one that should swiftly be completed.

The only problem is that a loan deal demands investment down the road. Unai Emery will have to spend in central midfield next summer upon Ceballos’ return to Madrid. Nevertheless, if that is the only downside of a transfer, it is probably a transfer worth making.