Valencia are ready to make their move and end Dani Ceballos’ Arsenal nightmare.
The Spain international joined the Gunners on loan from Real Madrid in the summer and made an eye-catching start to his Premier League career, earning plaudits for his man of the match display against Burnley back in August.
Ceballos failed to win a regular place in the side, however, under Unai Emery and suffered a serious hamstring strain in November which ruled him out for two months.
The 23-year-old returned to full fitness earlier this month but has not played a single minute of competitive action under Arteta, who is said to have deemed the midfielder surplus to requirements, despite appearing to offer his compatriot a lifeline earlier this month.
‘It’s true that I have players in that position who have been performing really well, and last week when I believed that he was ready to step in, I decided to pick another player,’ Arteta said ahead of last week’s 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.
‘But he’s been training good, I’m happy with him and I know him really well, so there’s no issues there.’
With Granit Xhaka now firmly back in the fold and Lucas Torreira emerging as arguably Arsenal’s most impressive performer under their new head coach, Ceballos’ chances of winning back a regular place appear remote.
With the European Championships on the horizon, Ceballos is concerned about earning a place in Spain’s squad and is said to have informed Arteta he wants out.
According to Marca, Valencia have emerged as the frontrunners and Arsenal are unlikely to stand in Ceballos’ way.
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