Arsenal: Extending Dani Ceballos loan extends the inevitable

Arsenal are rumored to be in talks with Dani Ceballos to extend his loan, but why extend the inevitable? Just find an actual solution and build around that.

You all should know by now that I’m usually the optimist around here. No matter what bad things happen to Arsenal, I always try to take a positive spin on them and not dwell on the negativity. Well, that’s running thin with Dani Ceballos already.

It started early in the season when it was revealed that Ceballos might have been the guy who requested there be no purchase clause in his loan move to the Emirates. Shortly thereafter, he said he enjoyed playing at the Emirates because he was playing.

Then, when those words were taken out of context and it was hypothesized that he was open to a permanent move to Arsenal, which Ceballos was so repulsed by that he felt the need to come out and say that he was, in fact, still completely focused on a return to Real Madrid.

Now, the rumors have emerged that the Gunners are interested in extending Dani Ceballos for another year. This being just a couple months into his loan thus far.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

For the record, there is nothing definitive or particularly compelling about these rumors, but the idea of prolonging his loan feels like they’re just prolonging the inevitable. If the hope is to convince him to stay at the Emirates for the long haul, don’t we first want to make sure that we’d actually want him to hang around for the long haul too?

I loved what we saw from Ceballos against Burnley. But I hate that I keep having to refer to that as the highlight of his lengthening season when so few other highlights are there. He’s been inconsistent and quiet at times, and that’s not what we want out of a guy who’s taking on such a big role.

Of course I believe he can improve. And settle. And create chance consistently. He’s a talented dude and it’s going to happen in time. But with everything that’s happened, with his clear disinterest in staying, with his inconsistent play… I’m in no hurry to see his loan extended. No hurry at all.

Don’t get me wrong. I still like the guy. I’m still excited to see what he can do. I just don’t know why we’d feel the need to rush.