ARSENAL have blocked Dani Ceballos’ plea to return to Real Madrid from his disastrous loan spell because he is still a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The Spanish midfielder, 23, was hoping to force his way out of the Emirates in a bid to earn more first-team minutes.
Dani Ceballos’ bid to quit Arsenal has been blocked by ArtetaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Ceballos hasn’t played for the Gunners since November 6, in the 1-1 Europa League draw at Vitoria Guimaraes.
And with the Euro 2020 coming up this summer, Ceballos is itching to be on the pitch as often as possible in order to keep his place in the Spain squad.
Despite his plea to quit, new boss Arteta has insisted he is still in his plans moving forward, according to reports in Spain.
Valencia had be keen on bringing Ceballos to the Mestalla, with boss Albert Celades having coached the Arsenal midfielder while at Spain’s Under-21s.
Ceballos has played just 17 times for Arsenal this season, scoring once – with just 11 of those coming in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, DC United – Wayne Rooney’s former MLS side – are chasing Mesut Ozil as they prepare for the 2021 season in the US.
The American’s have one free spot open for a designated player and believe Ozil is the ideal man to fill it.
Elsewhere, reports in Spain claim Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has agreed to join Barcelona – but will have to hand in a transfer request first.
The Gabon striker, who pockets a basic of around £200,000 a week plus huge bonuses at Arsenal after signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2018, is under contract at the Emirates until next summer.
But with the Gunners struggling, sitting tenth in the league, 34 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, Auba may decide to walk away in a bid to challenge for trophies.
Barcelona, too, are desperate – with new boss Setien forced into the transfer market this month due to the long-term injury suffered by Luis Suarez.
Aubameyang ‘agrees’ to Barcelona transfer but move only possible if Arsenal captain asks to leave
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
