Arsenal have started the 2020/21 season strongly in the Premier League, with Mikel Arteta’s plans working perfectly, yet one of the under-appreciated stars has been Dani Ceballos.

After almost ending his loan with the North London club, the former Real Madrid midfielder is now considered a key player by Arteta, even earning an international recall from Luis Enrique against Portugal.

At 24 years old, he’s now ready to make the next step in his career and fulfil the potential he showed in his formative years, especially after his time with Los Blancos did him few favours.

Returning from Arsenal initially appeared to be a concrete decision, yet when he met up with Zinedine Zidane once more he realised there was to be no place for him at Valdebebas.

Ceballos trained with Los Merengues for just three days before Arsenal brought him back to the Emirates Stadium on loan once more.

The deal, though, was complex as Real Madrid behind the scenes have far more faith in Ceballos than Zidane.

They didn’t want to lose control of the Spaniard’s future, and demanded that Arsenal couldn’t have a loan with a purchase option embedded within it.

Arsenal weren’t keen, yet Arteta stepped in at the last moment and convinced those above him in North London to acquiesce and agree to a deal without an option for the second successive season.

Luis Enrique was quick to praise the development of the player upon handing him a chance at international level, suggesting that he was bringing something unique to the group.

«He’s one of the players we’ve invested in since we took control, he’s a different kind of player who has the ability to pass the ball, find spaces and give a lot in attack,» Luis Enrique explained.

«Right now at Arsenal, he is showing us that he has improved a lot from the defensive point of view, which is very positive for his future as a player.

«I’m delighted that he is back there and I’m hopeful he will continue to improve.»