Arsenal are just £4milllion short of agreeing a deal with Real Madrid to sign Dani Ceballos on a permanent basis, according to reports.
The Gunners signed Ceballos on loan from Los Blancos in the summer with the Spaniard hitting the ground running in north London.
Ceballos recently spoke out about the loan switch and revealed he's enjoying himself at Arsenal.
"Going to Arsenal has been a very important step in my career," said Ceballos.
"I don't feel sorry for not being in Madrid. Right now I am where I want to be and I am very happy. My idea was to go out, play and enjoy football.
"In the previous two years I had not done so."
The midfielder later backtracked, telling Radio MARCA: "[What I meant to say, was] When I do not play, I don't enjoy myself. I have learnt a lot in these two years at Real Madrid, but now I am enjoying [my football].
"I knew that it was an important year, the coach [for Spain, Robert Moreno] has doubts and the one who doesn't play isn't going to be called up; it was a good time to go out on loan.
"With [Unai] Emery's confidence, I may have a chance of going to the Euros."
According to El Desmarque, Arsenal want to sign Ceballos for £26million in the summer but Real Madrid are looking for a figure closer to £30million.
In fact, the Spanish giants are reportedly waiting until the end of the season before slapping a definitive price tag on Ceballos' head in case his value increases.
