Real Madrid are considering an offer for midfielder Dani Ceballos, who is still keen to leave the club in search of regular playing time.
The Athletic reported in July that the 28-year-old had expressed his desire to move to Real Madrid and he reiterated his intentions to the club’s board and manager Carlo Ancelotti this week.
Real Betis have expressed a clear interest in re-signing Ceballos, with club legend Joaquin, who now works in the Betis sporting department, also involved in the talks. As reported by Marca, Monaco have also expressed an unofficial interest, but are more interested in exploring a loan move.
Real Madrid are listening to offers but are reluctant to loan Ceballos out, especially without a mandatory buy option, and would prefer to sell the midfielder for around 15 million euros.
In July, the club said it would be difficult to secure Ceballos’ departure as any offer would have to cover the club’s asking price and the player’s wages.
Ceballos, who moved to Real Madrid from Real Betis in 2017, will renew his current contract until 2023-2027, with his annual salary increasing significantly to around 4.5 million euros net.
The player was loaned to Arsenal in England for two seasons from 2019 to 2021, but wants to remain in Spain.
For Real Madrid and Ancelotti, Cebellos’s repeated desire to leave is a setback given that they had previously selected academy players Mario Martin and Nico Paz as possible replacements. Both players are now out of the club, with Martin loaned to Real Valladolid and Paz sold to Italian club Como for €6 million each.
Neither the club nor Ancelotti have tried to persuade Ceballos to stay, sending a message that the club only wants to keep players who want to stay, but understands the player’s position.
It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will strengthen their squad if Ceballos leaves the club.
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