Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo has mentioned that Real Madrid are not ruling out a transfer for out-of-favour midfielder Dani Ceballos, adding that if there is a good offer on the table, the Spaniard will be sold in the summer.
The outlet also mentions that since he is still 27 years of age, RealMadrid are expecting that there will be no shortage of suitors for at least one more year.
Ceballos, who spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal, has played just over 500 minutes of football this season, scoring a solitary goal across 19 appearances.
What is even more troubling is that out of those 19 appearances, the midfielder has started in a mere four matches.
At the beginning of the 2023/24 season, Ancelotti affirmed that he is quite satisfied with Ceballos’s attitude which was one of the reasons why he was offered a new deal, signed until 2027.
Sadly enough, the 27-year-old has constantly struggled for fitness throughout the season, forcing him to miss almost two months of action, spread across the season, through various problems.
In all honesty, the Spaniard was expected to have a prominent role this season, but injury issues coupled with Ancelotti’s midfield preferences have forced him to take the backseat and nothing would change that for the rest of the season.
The sooner Ceballos realises he does not have a place in the Real Madrid squad the better. The 27-year-old was initially expected to replace a certain Luka Modric, but the Croatian, himself, has now been replaced within the playing XI.
At present, Real Madrid are working on acquiring Kylian Mbappe, who is very close to joining, and in order comply with all the financial aspects, the team from the Spanish capital will need to generate income and Ceballos could prove to be a decent cash cow.
Considering that he has a contract until 2027, they can expect a decent transfer fee.
As far as suitors are concerned, Aston Villa were expected to make a move in January and given that he has already played in the Premier League, Unai Emery’s side might as well try their luck in the summer.