Arsenal in talks with European heavyweight over transfer of 21-year-old out-of-favour midfielder

According to reports, Arsenal have made contact with La Liga Champions Real Madrid over the possible move of out-of-favour star Dani Ceballos, who is not needed at the club by boss Zinedine Zidane.

Ceballos, 21, only joined Real Madrid this summer window but has barely played for the first-team yet, with Diario Gol claiming that the French tactician never really wanted the midfielder in the first place.

The report now states Ceballos has five bids to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, with North London giant Arsenal named as one of the sides to have approached the UEFA Champions League winners about a likely deal.

AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspurs, AS Roma and the midfielder’s former side Real Betis are also named as possible suitors by Diario Gol, though the Gunners arguably need a new signing in the middle of the park right now.

Wales international Aaron Ramsey and Swiss International Granit Xhaka have largely been preferred in that position this season, with Spain international midfielder Santi Cazorla a long-term doubt due to injury and not really an alternative.

England international midfielder Jack Wilshere is running out his Arsenal contract and hasn’t been handed playing time by manager Arsene Wenger this season, so Ceballos could be a good signing.