Dani Ceballos wants to make his Arsenal loan move permanent.
The Spaniard believes staying at the Emirates Stadium would be 'a good step' for him as he looks to secure a spot in Spain's Euro 2021 squad.
Since arriving at Arsenal on loan in the summer, Ceballos has made 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and assisting as many.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen to sign Ceballos permanently and the midfielder is on board.
“Right now, I’m only thinking about the next games because if we win them, we have some chance of qualifying for the Europa League," he told Sky Sports.
“After that, I have to be calm. I have to return to Real Madrid and they have to make a decision because I have a contract there for the next three years.
“Once I know their decision, I will sit down with my family and the people close to me and see what’s best for me next year."
"But the truth is I’m very happy at Arsenal. It’s a club in which I already have a year of experience, so it would be very easy to return."
He reasoned: “I wouldn’t have to adapt to a new league or new club with a different manager and players.
“I think it would be a good step for me.
“But like I said, my future depends on Real Madrid and right now I don’t know their decision.”
With Arteta and Ceballos keen on a deal, it seems the only sticking point could be Real Madrid.
Los Blancos, who have Ceballos under contract until 2023, are said to be keen to keep the 23-year-old.
But reports in Spain have claimed Ceballos may request to be loaned out for another year, something Real Madrid might go along with, particularly if Zinedine Zidane wants to keep his La Liga title-winning midfield the way it is or indeed strengthen it with new signings.
