Mikel Arteta admits no decision was taken regarding the Spain international midfielder, who’s due to head home at the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal are yet to make a determination on Dani Ceballos’ future, with the midfielder’s season-long loan arrangement running down.
The Gunners acquired a gifted playmaker from La Liga giants Real Madrid through the summer of 2019.
Ceballos was thought of as a significant coup, having previously starred for Real Betis before going to Santiago Bernabeu.
A bright start to his time in England indicated that the 23-year-old are a welcome permanent addition at Emirates Stadium.
Struggles for fitness and form then saw him drop from both sides between early November and late January, with an alteration in the dugout made during this period.
Arteta is now calling the shots in north London and has welcomed Ceballos back to the fold.
He’s been catching the eye with his imagination in the center of the playground, but no call was made to people in Madrid.
“We have not had any discussions about it (making his move permanent),” Arteta told reporters before a Premier League outing against West Ham on Saturday.
The Gunners boss was also questioned about the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang contract saga that’s getting an unwelcome distraction.
The Gabonese striker is yet to commit to an extension beyond 2021, but Arsenal are hoping to find an agreement tied up.
Arteta added: “We will need to do this until the end of the season. I wish to keep him in any conditions.”
If Aubameyang were to proceed then cover will be required, together with Gent celebrity Jonathan David recognized as a potential goal, but Arteta admits he has no clue what his budget will be.
He explained:”It is very difficult but I enjoy everything planned. I have very clear ideas of what I wish to do but we do not know what the situation will be (financially).”
Qualification for the 2020-21 Champions League would greatly help Arsenal’s cause when it comes to getting reinforcements on board.
They’re sat 10th at the Premier League table at the moment, eight points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, but could move up the table if they win their derby date with the Hammers.
Quizzed on a continuing top-four challenge, Arteta said:”Conquer West Indies on Saturday and we’re closer. A couple of weeks ago it seemed impossible but if we beat West Ham it will be more possible.”
The Gunners will be without Lucas Torreira when they confront the Hammers, after viewing the Uruguayan midfielder fracture his ankle in an FA Cup triumph over Portsmouth, but Arteta isn’t searching for any excuses.
The Spaniard added: “It is part of football, we must adapt. It happens to other groups, we can’t shout about it.”
