Footie Central | Football Blog Blogging the football world
Arsenal’s hopes of keeping hold of midfielder Dani Ceballos have been dealt a blow because Juventus are interested in signing him.
The Spanish midfielder joined the Gunners on a season long loan from Real Madrid, but, after a bright start, faded, along with much of the squad under Unai Emery, with an injury incurred on Europa League duty further hindering his progress.
However, under Mikel Arteta, he had forced his way back into the side and had become a first-team starter when the league season was halted.
His loan deal with the Gunners did not include an option to buy, however, and their chances of tempting the Spanish club to allow him to stay in London have now been hit. Real want at least £35 million for the 23 year old, and Juventus are willing to meet the price tag.
Given their limited transfer funds, Arsenal will not be able to compete with that, and, given the current uncertainty over when the league season will begin again, Ceballos may have played his last game in a red and white shirt.
Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.