Dani Ceballos insists if he had the chance to choose again where he would spent the 2019/20 season on loan he would still pick Arsenal, a fortuitous statement for the Gunners as they attempt to secure a fresh agreement with Real Madrid over the Spaniard.
Arsenal are growing in confidence that they will be able to secure a deal to bring Ceballos back although there are still hurdles to clear in their negotiations with Real Madrid. The La Liga champions would favour a permanent deal and the transfer funds that come with it but the Gunners would prefer to sign the 23-year-old on loan for a further 12 months.
Ceballos has enjoyed a remarkable revival in his fortunes under Mikel Arteta, establishing himself as the preferred partner for Granit Xhaka in central midfield and winning praise both for his creativity from deep and his defensive improvements.
As Arsenal have grown happier with Ceballos so has the player settled in north London having spent January trying to cut his loan spell short to join Valencia. They are among the Spanish clubs that would be keen to sign him for next season but Ceballos appears to have indicated a preference to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
"I have been very happy at Arsenal," Ceballos told El Pais. "Logically it is a season that will be marked by the pandemic and the whole world will affect us. Except for that, I have been very happy because the fans, the teammates and the two coaches that I have had have wrapped me up.
"If I had to choose Arsenal again, I would.
"When I have had continuity, like now at Arsenal, I have been enjoying and developing good football. My hope is to continue at this level: right now I feel like the leader of this important team, a player with stripes.
"Surrounded by people who believe in you, it is easier to believe in people. When you play like this and you also have the confidence of the coach everything is easier."
Arsenal's transfer business is in something of a holding pattern until after the FA Cup Final with victory bringing Arteta not only his first trophy as a manager but also qualification for Europe and the financial rewards that come with it.
Regardless Arsenal are keen to extend Ceballos' stay in north London, though the player insisted negotiations are far from complete.
"It is complicated when Arsenal have to play a title and Madrid have to play the Champions League," Ceballos said.
"I have to wait until everything is over to sit down with Madrid, because after all I have three more years of contract with them, and they tell me what they think is best for me.
"Obviously I will make the decision to play where I think is most convenient and happiest."
