REPORT: Interest From Juventus Could Beat Arsenal's Bid for Dani Ceballos

Juventus Interest in Dani Ceballos Could Prove Pivotal in His Future

Disappoint Season

It is fair to say this season has been a slow burner for the 23-year-old. His season has not been helped by a lengthy period on the sidelines with a hamstring problem. He has made just 14 Premier League appearances, with two assists but no goals to his name. However, before the season was suspended, Ceballos had started to show glimpses of what he has to offer. He had been given a run in the side and seemed to fit Arteta’s style of play well.

Dani Ceballos is not the first player to struggle in their first season in the Premier League. He would need to prove himself in his second season if still at Arsenal, but he can be a success. Now it is down to how much the manager wants him to stay. Ideally, another loan spell may best suit Arsenal so they can get a full season to look at him. Ceballos does not seem to feature at all in Zinedine Zidane’s plans at Madrid. This means Spanish giants are more likely to want to sell Ceballos instead, and have the cash to invest back in their squad.

Arsenal Ambition Questioned

This is where Juventus could throw the spanner into Arsenal’s plans to keep the midfielder. Ceballos is priced at £35 million by Madrid, a fee Juventus seem willing to pay. Juventus are also reported to be prepared to significantly improve on his current Arsenal wage. It is another challenge to the Arsenal board whose ambition has been questioned by other parties. Most recently, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been told he should leave the Gunners by the head of Gabon’s football association, because of the club’s lack of ambition.

Accusations of a lack of ambition are harsh. Financial practicalities have to be addressed, and different clubs have different approaches and philosophies. Yet if Arteta sees Ceballos as central to his plans, like Aubameyang, they really need to back him now. Otherwise, Arsenal fans could see Ceballos tread the same transfer path as Aaron Ramsey the previous summer. The same fans would love an early indication of Arsenal’s intent for next season.

Spain Also Calling

Juventus are not the only club on the continent to have enquired about the Spanish international’s services. If he was to leave the Emirates in the summer he could have the option to return to his home nation’s top flight. Real Betis and Valencia are both reported to be keen to bring Ceballos back to Spain. However, a Juventus offer would most likely trump their efforts. To his credit, the Spaniard remains professionally diplomatic about the situation. He is quoted as saying: “The relationship of the future would be irresponsible for me to speak about.”

At just 23 years old Dani Ceballos is coming into his prime. He has the talent for Arteta to build his team around for the next few years. With his contract at Arsenal finishing at the end of June, both he and his manager have decisions to make. Arteta seems to want to ensure Ceballos is at the Emirates next year, spearheading the Arsenal midfield. Over the coming months, he will need to sell the club and its ambitions to the player. Otherwise, Juventus and probably more big European clubs will only be too happy to prise him away.