Dani Ceballos appears to be nearing a return to boyhood club Real Betis despite bizarre rumours linking him with a return to Arsenal.
Spanish newspaper AS report that the plan for Real Betis is to re-sign Ceballos in January as long as they can offload a couple of players.
The move was explored in the summer but now looks much closer to happening this time.
Ceballos was spotted in a private box as he took in Real Betis losing 2-0 to Sevilla in their big derby on Sunday.
That is seen as a precursor to Ceballos re-joining Betis, more than four years since being sold to Real Madrid for €18million (£15million).
Ceballos surely won’t return to Arsenal now
Ceballos absolutely needs to leave Real Madrid to save his career, but this would rule out a return to Arsenal.
El Nacional reported last week that Arsenal fancy bringing Ceballos back to North London.
Mikel Arteta may need another midfielder in January and Ceballos knows the Arsenal setup after two years on loan with the club.
Few Arsenal fans would likely want to see Ceballos return, and this probably works out best for all.
Ceballos can go back where he is loved and Arsenal can close the chapter on Ceballos, who hardly set the world alight in red and white.
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