Dani Ceballos is once again an Arsenal player.
The Spanish midfielder spent last season on loan from La Liga giants Real Madrid and finished the campaign as a regular in Mikel Arteta's engine room - often alongside Granit Xhaka.
And it was his form after lockdown which convinced the Gunners head coach to request a return for the 24-year-old.
"Well, we have some talks and Dani knows really well what I think about him," Arteta told reporters ahead of the Community Shield win over Liverpool.
"He was pretty clear with me as well that his intention was to remain with us but obviously Real Madrid is involved and I don’t know yet what they want to do with the player.
"But he’s a player that we are interested in because we really saw, in the last few months of the season, what he is capable of bringing to us."
Ceballos will once again wear the number eight shirt this season.
Speaking after the loan deal was confirmed, Arteta said: "Dani was an integral part of our team last season and finished the season in excellent form. I love Dani’s passion and commitment and he’s a highly skilful player. We’re all delighted to welcome him back and we look forward to seeing him pick up where he left off."
