Arsenal are set to beat arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the loan signing of Spanish international Dani Ceballos with Sky Sports reporting that the club are only waiting on Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane’s approval. The latest update has excited many Arsenal fans as they look to get one-up on their local enemy.
Ceballos impressed at this summer’s Under-21 European Championship as Spain went on to win the tournament. The 22-year-old’s two goals and two assists were a big contribution along the way and could be the reason why the two North London clubs were battling over his temporary signature.
The central midfield playmaker joined La Liga giants Real Madrid on a six-year deal for a fee of €18m (£16m) back in 2017, but hasn’t been able to feature much due to the wealth of talent in his position. The former Real Betis ace only made 13 starts for Los Blancos in the league last season but has to be seen as a long-term option in Spain with the move only being a temporary loan switch.
Tottenham were in for the Spanish international and with Arsenal soon to be beating them to the signing, many fans have taken to Twitter to express their delight. One supporter said even despite Spurs having Champions League football, it isn’t a surprise as Arsenal are the big boys of North London.
Whilst others have claimed it to be a terrific bit of business and another even said the club were the third biggest in the country.
Here’s a selection of tweets from some of the Arsenal fanbase:
We are actually doing a madness if true.
— Außenseiter (@PO_Prosper) July 17, 2019
We loan him without option, but gets to the end of next season, Madrid have other players in place and want to sell him, surely we will be his first choice if the loan goes well
— justin mc namara (@JustArse05) July 17, 2019
Arsenal won’t spend more than £10m on Saliba and Ceballos together – terrific business. Both chose Arsenal over Spurs too, Arsenal really have won this one…#AFC
— noah richman (@noahrichman89) July 17, 2019
If saliba and Ceballos choose us over spurs I ain’t shocked at all we are arsenal we are the 3rd biggest club in country and with the attacking players we have in Auba and laca why wouldn’t you. Choose us.
— mark G (@goodridgeAFC87) July 17, 2019
I'm not really sure how #AFC want to play with Ceballos but I would like the deal regardless.
— Joey (@Estadox) July 17, 2019
Saliba and Ceballos both picking Arsenal over spurs really isn't surprising even with CL football involved in the conversation. We are the big boys of NL after all. #ForeverInOurShadow
— Sebastian AFC (@sebas8santos) July 17, 2019
Dani Ceballos is graceful on the ball, composed in possession and has the discipline to play deep without bombing forward. However, unless there is an option to buy, Arsenal will be back at square one next summer, and Real Madrid will welcome back a polished midfielder. #afc
— Adam Keys (@_AdamKeys) July 17, 2019
Choosing Arsenal over Spurs haha!
— Doug (@DougTheGooner) July 17, 2019
