Arteta pulls the strings as Arsenal close in on crucial midfielder

Mikel Arteta TEAMtalk

The lure of working with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal once more appears to have proved pivotal after details were revealed regarding Dani Ceballos’ impending return from Real Madrid.

Working under a restricted transfer budget, manager Arteta is having to get creative in the summer window.

Free agent signing Willian showed quality can be brought in without breaking the bank. While the recent departure of a Gunners flop has freed up a sizeable chunk from the club’s wage budget.

Further smart business appears to be on the verge of being completed, this time regarding Spaniard Ceballos.

The 24-year-old spent the season on loan at The Emirates last year, and overcame initial struggles under Unai Emery to become a vital cog in the midfield of Arteta.

Ceballos developed an affinity for the club during his spell in England, showcased by a social media post celebrating after Arsenal recently defeated Liverpool to lift the Community Shield.

Now, according to respected football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arteta’s personal intervention could soon see Ceballos return in aother loan spell.

Romano tweeted: “Dani Ceballos is coming back to Arsenal on loan. Advanced talks and agreement to be completed soon.

“Arteta has called Ceballos to convince him – three bids turned down to come back to #AFC. Green light from Real Madrid soon.”

 

A return to former club Real Betis had been speculated, but Arsenal are now very much in the driving seat.

Arteta made clear his desire to bring the midfielder back to Arsenal following his departure, stating (via The Sun): “Well, we have had some talks and Dani knows really well what I think about him.

“He was pretty clear with me as well that his intention was to remain with us. But obviously Real Madrid is involved and I don’t know yet what they want to do with the player.

“But he’s a player that we are interested in because we really saw, in the last few months of the season, what he is capable of bringing to us.”

 

Aubameyang contract details emerge

Aubameyang Arsenal TEAMtalk

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reportedly rejected “two other bids” before agreeing to sign a new three-year Arsenal contract.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via the Express, claims an agreement is close to being finalised.

The deal will be worth £250,000-a-week, costing the Gunners £39m over the length of the contract.

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