Arsenal: Dani Ceballos Sheds Light on Gunners Future

Dani Ceballos has made his intentions clear with Arsenal.

On loan for his second spell with the club, Dani Ceballos‘ time at Arsenal has not lived up to the major coup it was considered back in 2019.

Off the back of a stirring Under-21 European Championship display with Spain, his signature became a prized one across the continent. Tottenham were among those who made their intentions clear.

Throughout his time in north London, Ceballos has demonstrated a level of passion that won supporters over in quick time. Fist-pumping and elaborate celebrations indicated that despite being a temporary addition, his heart was in it.

Likewise, the number of interviews he’s given during his 18 months repeatedly state his desire to have a future elsewhere. Ceballos has always pledged his loyalty to parent club Real Madrid and his intentions on being a regular there.

https://twitter.com/DaniCeballos46/status/1345509856174866438

His latest comments, while speaking to Cadena Ser programme El Larguero, further clarify his long-term intentions.

"“Mikel is a coach who fits me like a glove because he played in the same position as me. He wants the team to play forward when we steal the ball,” he said. “Arteta has placed me in the number 8 role. It is a very static game. He wants to be in control of the game.“I signed a long contract with Madrid. I have two and a half years left. My goal is to succeed at Arsenal. My wish is to wear the Madrid shirt.”"

The Spaniard has received a fair bit of flak off the back of these comments, mostly unjust. What is he supposed to say in this instance? Madrid is his dream, his ‘wish’, while his ‘goal’ is to be a success at Arsenal. This is what loan deals generally involve.

As far as loans go from an attitude sense, little more could be asked of Ceballos. While performances haven’t been up to the level expected, he can’t be criticised for a lack of care and fight under Mikel Arteta.

It’s not unfair to claim that many supporters have ‘gone off‘ the 24-year-old slightly this season. Generally when players come on loan it is tougher to build that bond. Ceballos looks increasingly unlikely to have a long-term future at either Madrid or Arsenal, and until the season concludes, him demonstrating the passion he is can’t be faulted.

Performance-wise is another matter.