Renewing Dani Ceballos’ Loan Deal Will Be Arsenal’s Best Business of the Summer

The news that Dani Ceballos is set to return to Arsenal for another loan spell might not be met with total unbridled joy by Gunners fans.

The Real Madrid man produced some indifferent performances throughout his time at the Emirates Stadium last season, so it’ll come as no surprise that the bunting is yet to be hung ahead of his re-signing.

Admittedly, the Spaniard proved throughout the 2019/20 campaign that he has a tendency to go missing in games, and the figures he produced weren’t befitting of the gifted midfielder the Gunners fans had hoped they’d snapped up.

However, with a season in English football under his belt and Mikel Arteta now at the helm, re-signing Ceballos this summer could prove to be the best piece of business Arsenal make this transfer window.

While the Spaniard struggled with consistency throughout his spell in north London, it’s difficult to argue that his highlight real wouldn’t be worth a viewing.

The 24-year-old produced the occasional standout performance in an Arsenal shirt, including his man of the match display at home to Burnley on his full debut. The 24-year-old proved he’s got the ability and the character to grab a game by the scruff of the neck, driving his team on and notching two assists as the Gunners edged their way past Sean Dyche’s side.

While Ceballos’ first season in English football wasn’t exactly scintillating, few people recognise that the on loan Real Madrid man was actually incredibly unlucky.

Naturally, compatriot Unai Emery was wary of throwing Ceballos in at the deep end early on, and the midfielder wouldn’t see out a full 90 minutes until the end of October. Then, with back-to-back 90 minutes finally under his belt and a foothold in the English game beginning to emerge, he was ruled out for two months with a muscle injury.

Shortly after returning from the knock, Ceballos again began to emerge as a key member of the first team – only for the league to be postponed for three months.

It was only after the mid-season hiatus that Ceballos began to truly show us the player he could be, snapping at the heals of the opposition, picking up the ball from deep to launch attacks and skipping past players with ease.

Arteta’s style of play seemed to get the best out of Ceballos, and the midfielder’s composure on the ball and ability to stretch the play with seamless long diagonals could prove absolutely crucial in the Arsenal boss’ grand plan.

One thing which has been levelled at the Gunners for many a season is the lack of drive and ambition within their midfield. Granit Xhaka has undoubtedly enjoyed a somewhat surprise renaissance to his Emirates career, but the Switzerland captain is never going to be the type of player to demand the ball and drive into the opposition’s half – Ceballos can be that player.

It can’t be argued that the Spaniard needs to work on his goal contributions - two assists and no goals in 24 Premier League games is far from good enough for a player of his calibre. However, under the guidance of Arteta, Ceballos has proven he can be a threat.

With a rocky maiden season in English football out of the way, if he can be afforded a consistent run of games and avoid another injury, we could be about to see the best of the Real Madrid man.