Premier League Rumors: Ceballos Fate Revealed, Emirates Stadium Days Numbered

Dani Ceballos' playing days at Emirates Stadium are numbered.

Despite his heroics in Arsenal's FA Cup quarter-final goal in extra time against Sheffield United, the 23-year-old has failed to make a good impression with Mikel Arteta. It was the only goal Ceballos has to show for the Gunners this season after playing in 25 games.

According to an exclusive report from The Sun, Arsenal FC will not hand the Spanish midfielder a permanent deal. This development places Ceballos in a spot since he is also unwilling to return to his mother team, Real Madrid.

The reason behind that is he is unlikely to land a spot under Zinedine Zidane, meaning he will need to explore options. Also, part of the reason linked to the exit of Ceballos is that the Gunners are trying to avoid the $36.8 million fee that Real Madrid is expected to demand. Like most teams, Arsenal is dealing with crunched numbers brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ceballos was taken in by Arsenal when Unai Emery was still at the helm. He was seen as a potential box-to-box replacement for Aaron Ramsey and showed promise. But a hamstring injury cut his run short, forcing him to the sidelines for three months. That time off just worsened his situation, preventing him from making a good impression under Arteta.

The development comes not long after Ceballos revealed he was enjoying his stint under Arteta, adding that he learned a lot playing under the 38-year-old Spanish coach.

The best he can do right now is play the remaining games and finish strong. Among the teams he could end up with include Real Betis or Sevilla. Whichever teams he plays for next, he wants to join a club where he is needed.

"Betis? It is an option. I do not close the door to play in any club. I do not rule out continuing in the Premier [League]," Ceballos said.

Sevilla could be an option but not among the top of the list. Ceballos had already explained that it would be weird to play for a club that is a fierce rival of his former team, Real Betis. This was covered in detail in a previous report.

With Ceballos exiting, Arteta is expected to turn to his young core of players. Among the names that come to mind include Bukayo Saka, Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. They will get their chance to shine in the first-team starting next season.