Dani Ceballos 'pleaded not to be sold'

Dani Ceballos reportedly pleaded with Real Madrid not to sell him before the midfielder completed a loan move to Arsenal in the latter stages of the English transfer window.

The 23-year-old is due to spend the 2019-20 campaign on loan with the Gunners, and he has impressed in the early stages of his career at the Emirates Stadium.

However, a recent report claimed that the Spain international is unlikely to remain at the club beyond the end of the season as Madrid president Florentino Perez wants him back at the Bernabeu.

According to Marca, before switching to Unai Emery's side, Ceballos asked the Spanish giants not to sell him as he is determined to forge a successful career at the club.

The report adds that Madrid 'are keeping a close eye' on developments in London with the view to the Spaniard returning to the first-team picture next season.

Ceballos has scored five times in 56 appearances for his Spanish club since arriving from Real Betis in 2017.