Dani Ceballos has completed his season-long loan move from Real Madrid to Arsenal.
The 22-year old starred as Spain won the UEFA European U21 Championship in Italy in June. Ceballos is also a senior Spain international with 6 caps to his name and a goal that came against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League .
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery hailed the arrival of Ceballos, telling the club's website, "We’re excited to see Dani join us. He is a talented player with big technical ability, creativity and precision."
Ceballos was named player of the tournament at the 2017 UEFA European U21 Championship in Poland, and earned an €18m move from Real Betis to Real Madrid just a fortnight after the tournament final. He signed a 6-year contract at the time.
However, his progress has stalled at the Bernabeu and he made just 13 starts for the La Liga giants last term.
🇪🇸 #HolaDani 👋
Welcome to The Arsenal, @DaniCeballos46 😎 pic.twitter.com/8gZLggahJZ— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 25, 2019
Ceballos has been handed the no.8 jersey at Arsenal following the departure to Juventus of Aaron Ramsey.
Emery will hope Ceballos fares better than his previous loan signing from La Liga - Denis Suarez. The midfielder described the 2018-19 season as one "to forget" having made just six appearances following his January loan move from Barcelona.
But Ceballos says Emery was a deciding factor in him wanting to join Arsenal, "The coach was the turning point in terms of me joining this massive club. He’s a Spanish coach and he knows me from my time at other clubs. I’m really happy to be able to help Arsenal achieve our objectives."
Ceballos feels Emery can bring the best out of him in the coming season, "He’s a very tactical coach and I think that’s going to really help me to perfect my positioning. I think we’re both going to try our best to make me a better player."
It appears the Spanish contingent embedded at the Emirates also played a role in Ceballos' decision, "Well, as you know there are Spanish players here like Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin.
I get on really well with Hector away from football, on a personal level.
"I told him I was thinking of joining and he told me not to think twice because this is a great city and a great club and that I was going to have a great time. I can’t wait to see him and say thanks for his help in getting me here."
