Dani Ceballos has handed Arsenal a transfer blow by revealing that his previous comments on a potential permanent move to the Emirates were ‘misunderstood’.
The Gunners fought off rivals Tottenham for the 23-year-old’s services over the summer, and the Spaniard has settled into Premier League life with ease.
Ceballos recently revealed how happy he was in north London, which led to many speculating over a permanent switch next summer.
However, talking to Spanish outlet Marca, cited by the Metro, Ceballos admitted that his comments were ‘misunderstood’.
My words were misunderstood. When I do not play, I don’t enjoy myself.
I have learnt a lot in these two years at Real Madrid, but now I am enjoying [my football].
The highly-rated Madrid man then went on to share his dreams of breaking into the first-team frame at the Bernabeu.
I never thought of leaving permanently. My goal is to succeed at Real Madrid. I’m going to fight to fulfil my dream.
A player is not happy if he doesn’t play, but when he feels important and does, then he is happy.
Obviously I have been at Real Madrid, I have learnt from the best and I have won trophies, but it is easier when you play matches.
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Arsenal fans would’ve been secretly getting their hopes up over the possibility of securing Ceballos’ services on a full-time basis before his latest comments, so the news comes as a blow.
The creative midfielder will have every chance of becoming a Madrid regular next season if he continues his fine form for the remainder of the campaign, which could then leave the Gunners on the lookout for another gifted attacking midfielder next summer.
There may well be further twists and turns regarding Ceballos’ future, but for now, it seems as if the Gunners have no chance of persuading the midfielder to stay in north London.
