Arsenal and Tottenham were both reportedly interested in Dani Ceballos in the summer.
Arsenal won the race to sign Dani Ceballos this summer on loan from Real Madrid.
It was a smart move, and the midfielder looks like a class act in Arsenal’s midfield.
Rivals Tottenham were said to be interested, but The Mirror reported they backed out of a deal because Real were not willing to include a permanent option as part of a loan switch.
Arsenal were willing to make this concession, taking a chance that they might be able to persuade Ceballos to stay if he enjoys his experience at Arsenal.
Arsenal have been able to offer Ceballos a regular place in the team and his performances have been a high quality.
While a player of Ceballos’ character would undoubtedly have made Tottenham a better team, he also would have been a total luxury.
Tottenham showed at the weekend how much quality they had in midfield, and in reserve.
They cantered to a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks at the base of their midfield.
This was without new signings Tanguy Ndombele (who came off the bench), Giovani Lo Celso and star midfielder Dele Alli.
Ceballos would have been a total luxury for Spurs, while at Arsenal he is enjoying a prominent role.
The midfielder was badly needed, as a replacement for Aaron Ramsey, and he is thriving.
He is a class act, who would have improved Tottenham further, but this season has shown already they do not really need him, and Arsenal have much more use for him.
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