Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos turned down Unai Emery’s Aston Villa because the former Arsenal loanee is not interested in returning to the Premier League, according to Marca.
It’s difficult to work out exactly how to define Ceballos’ two-year spell at the Emirates Stadium.
On one hand, the silky Spaniard proved to be a stylish operator in the centre of the park, one who’s defence-splitting capabilities initially made him a key figure under Mikel Arteta.
On the other, it’s not as if Arsenal have missed Ceballos since his departure in the summer of 2021; fellow Los Blancos import Martin Odegaard far outstripping the 26-year-old’s influence in North London.
In 77 games, Ceballos scored four goals and set up just five more. For all his poise and guile, genuine end product was most certainly lacking.
Even during his time at Arsenal, the former Real Betis schemer barely wasted an opportunity to remind everyone just how desperate he was to return to Spain and succeed at his parent club, even if first-team opportunities were likely to be far harder to come by at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Dani Ceballos rejects Premier League return with Aston Villa
As such, perhaps it should not come as a surprise to learn that Ceballos rejected Aston Villa during the January transfer window. His contract expires in the summer. But Ceballos, despite starting just seven La Liga games under Carlo Ancelotti, still hopes for an extension.
Marca believe that stuttering Serie A champions AC Milan and local rivals Atletico Madrid also want the two-time Champions League winner. A move to Italy may hold some appeal, but a return to the Premier League does not.
His relationship with Villa boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, is probably best described as complicated. Emery spoke glowingly about Ceballos’ talents. But, following the appointment of Mikel Arteta in 2020, the Spaniard hailed his the former Man City assistent for breathing life into a team that looked ‘dead’ during the end of the Emery era.
“We’re excited to see Dani join us,” Emery said back in 2019 during Ceballos unveiling (Express). “He is a talented player with big technical ability, creativity and precision.”
Matteo Guendouzi is another Unai Emery target
Aston Villa also looked into bringing Matteo Guendouzi back to England last month; Ceballos’ one-time Arsenal team-mate thriving at Marseille.
“If he were to leave, I’d be in mourning,” says Eric Di Meco, a four-time Ligue 1 champion with Marseille. “I really like this player. For me, Guendouzi is the X-factor.
“He has something about him. He runs everywhere, he puts his foot in, he is unbearable (to play against). He’s a great player. Last year, he had a great season. This season, he is not playing in his best role. I feel like Tudor likes him a little higher up the pitch.
“He’s done that (new, more attacking role) with a lot of drive and talent too.”
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