Mikel Arteta 'keen to keep Dani Ceballos at Arsenal'

Arsenal are reportedly hopeful of securing a permanent deal for on-loan Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos this summer.

Earlier this month, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the two clubs had opened talks regarding a possible long-term deal for the 23-year-old.

Ceballos initially struggled to nail down a regular spot in Arsenal's starting lineup, but the Spaniard has impressed in the middle of the park under Arteta since football in England was given the green light to resume.

Now, The Mirror reports that Arteta views Ceballos as a key player in his system, and the Gunners are optimistic about their chances of keeping the midfielder on the books in North London permanently.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez recently admitted that Los Blancos are in a bad financial situation in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic in potentially a huge boost for Arsenal's pursuit as Madrid look to balance the books through player sales.

While the Gunners are expected to have their own financial difficulties in the transfer window, Ceballos could reportedly be available for a reasonable figure of £23m this summer.