Arsenal transfer blow as Real Madrid consider keeping Dani Ceballos

Heading home? Dani Ceballos
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Ben Hayward11 August 2020

Real Madrid are considering bringing Dani Ceballos back to the club this summer in a blow to Arsenal's summer transfer plans.

Arsenal had been hoping to agree another loan for the midfielder, who impressed for the Gunners en route to recent their FA Cup win, but Standard Sport understands Madrid are weighing up their options after last Friday's Champions League elimination at the hands of Manchester City.

Ceballos did not feature heavily during Zinedine Zidane's first spell in charge but could be brought back as the Frenchman looks to revitalise an ageing midfield with the ongoing financial impact of Covid-19 ruling out big summer signings.

The Spain international has said previously of his desire to triumph at Real, but is keen for regular playing time as he looks to earn a place at next summer's European Championships and also the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Zidane is expected to have the final say in pre-season before a decision is made on the player's future, but senior figures at the Spanish side remain confident he has the ability to be a success at Real.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have decided to bring back Martin Odegaard from Real Sociedad this summer, cutting short his loan spell by 12 months.

Odegaard moved to Real Sociedad on loan last summer and the two clubs verbally agreed that the Norwegian would stay at Anoeta for two years, but Madrid now want the 21-year-old to return.

Real Sociedad had hoped the player would stay for the two seasons and Odegaard is happy in San Sebastian, but the Basque club have always maintained Los Blancos would have the final say on the Scandinavian's destination for the 2020-21 campaign.

Arsenal's summer transfer window

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Odegaard, who scored seven goals in 36 appearances for Real Sociedad in an impressive season, is seen as an important player by Madrid and possibly a long-term replacement for Luka Modric as the Croatian enters into the final year of his contract.

The Norwegian was also suffering from tendonitis towards the end of the season and back in Madrid, the club will be able to monitor his condition and fitness much more closely.

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