ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has admitted the club have not yet discussed whether to make the loan deal of Dani Ceballos into a permanent move despite the improved form of the midfielder.
Ceballos, who joined on loan from Real Madrid in the summer, has only managed 13 appearances in the Premier League this season after suffering with injuries but the Spaniard has played the last five matches in all competitions.
Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos could make his move permanent after impressing in recent matchesCredit: AFP or licensors
There have been suggestions the club will look to keep the 23-year-old beyond his loan spell but Arteta insisted there has been no discussions yet.
Speaking in his press conference, Arteta said: “We haven’t had any discussions about it.
“I’m really happy with Dani and what he’s bringing to the team right now.
“It took him a while after his injury to get to the level that he has and that I’ve seen in the past.
“He’s performing much better now and that’s why he’s playing much more games.”
If Arsenal are to turn the deal into a permanent move, they could be set to make some extra room in the squad with Mesut Ozil, Sokratis and Matteo Guendouzi potentially being allowed to move on.
It has been an underwhelming season for the Gunners so far with Unai Emery being sacked in November and the club being dumped out of the Europa League by Olympiacos last week.
Arteta, who was appointed in December, could be set to overhaul his squad in a bid to get the club challenging for the top four.
Arsenal have only won eight league games this season, leaving them 10th in the Premier League and should they fail to beat West Ham on Saturday, it could leave them in the bottom half.
Arteta’s side are unbeaten in their last seven league matches, but that includes four draws.
Pablo Mari could be set to make his Premier League debut against West Ham after impressing in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Monday.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to keep striker Aubameyang and is keen to extend contract
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
