Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos on a season-long loan deal and have been given hope of buying him permanently next summer.
The 22-year-old is not in Zinedine Zidane’s immediate plans but Real Madrid were reluctant to sell him outright and as such, no purchase agreement has been included in the loan agreement.
Despite the lack of a buyout clause, Real Madrid have promised Arsenal that they will re-evaluate their position next summer and potentially discuss a permanent transfer then, according to Sky Italy journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Should Ceballos prove to be a success at the Emirates, Arsenal will hope that they will be able to sign him full-time, as London rivals Chelsea managed with Mateo Kovacic.
Kovacic joined Chelsea on loan for the duration of the 2018-19 season and although there was not a buyout option in the deal, the Croatian signed for the Blues for £40m earlier this month.
Ceballos had been linked with Spurs and AC Milan after declaring his intention to play more regularly next season but Arsenal have won the race to secure his signature, albeit on a short-term basis.
The Spain international moved to the Bernabeu in a €17m move from Real Betis in 2017 but has struggled for game time, making 56 appearances over the past two campaigns.
Although Zidane was unable to find a first-team place for him next season, Ceballos is keen to establish himself at the club long-term and is hopeful that regular football with Arsenal will help him do so.