Dani Ceballos has admitted it would be ‘difficult’ to extend his Arsenal loan as he ‘prefers La Liga’ to the Premier League.
The midfielder joined the Gunners in July 2019 on a two-year loan deal from Real Madrid.
He’s been heavily linked with a permanent Emirates move but now looks set to return to Spain.
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Speaking about the transfer speculation, Ceballos told Spanish outlet Onda Cero (via Daily Mail): “I’ve had a bad time because I didn’t have the consistency I had last year.
“These last five or six games I’ve played at a good level. To be honest I like La Liga a lot more. The Premier League is more complete but with my style, La Liga is much better for me.
“Another loan would be difficult from both sides, for Real Madrid and for me.”
The Spaniard also suggested that a return to boyhood club Real Betis could be on the cards.
He continued: “I’m about to turn 25 in August and I have to settle at a club where I feel important, that’s what I’ll look for.
“I have a lot of affection for Betis, I’m a Betis fan, I watch every Betis game, [Manuel] Pellegrini is a really good coach who I like.”
In February, Arsenal discovered Real’s asking price for the 24-year-old. They’re willing to sell for around £22million, but Ceballos’ comments now put that transfer in doubt.
The north London side may instead target Martin Odegaard, who is also on loan from Los Blancos.
He’s had a bigger impact on Mikel Arteta’s side in recent months and would justify a big money move.
Real have set Odegaard’s price tag at £52million, which is significantly more than that of Ceballos.
But Odegaard has the potential to be an Arsenal star and club CEO Vinai Venkatesham will be keen to secure his signature.
If Arsenal are to bring anyone in during the summer transfer window then they will need to offload players first.
Eddie Nketiah is attracting interest from West Ham, who are searching for a new striker.
Lucas Torreira is desperate to leave England for Argentina, specifically Boca Juniors.
The sale of those two players may help to fund an Odegaard move.
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