Dani Ceballos has performed a stunning u-turn by insisting he has not thought about leaving Real Madrid permanently.
The midfielder is on loan at Arsenal this season and has been an ever-present under head coach Unai Emery thus far, even keeping Mesut Ozil out of the squad more often than not.
He opened his Gunners account in the 4-0 win over Standard Liege in the Europa League last week and has quickly become a fan favourite, with a brilliant chant already being created for him.
Although, supporters are aware that the 23-year-old's deal doesn't include the option of a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
But when speaking earlier in the week, Ceballos appeared to have given Gunners fans hope in regards to making his loan move permanent next summer.
"Going to Arsenal has been a very important step in my career," he said at a press conference with the Spanish national team. "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."
However, it would appear that Ceballos only has eyes for Real Madrid, thus seemingly ruling out extending his stay in north London.
"When I don't play, I don't enjoy myself," he told Radio Marca, as per Goal . "These two years [at Real Madrid] I've learned a lot from the club, but now I'm enjoying it [football].
"I knew it was an important year, the coach has doubts and he who doesn't play doesn't go [to Euro 2020], so it was a good time to go on loan.
"With [Arsenal coach Unai] Emery's confidence I may have many chances to be in the Euros squad.
"I never thought about going permanently.
"My goal is to succeed at Real Madrid. I will fight to fulfil my dream."
Whilst Ceballos' long-term future won't be decided until some time in 2020, there are concerns over his availability for Arsenal in the short-term.
AS are reporting that the midfielder is doubtful for Spain's clash with Norway on Saturday as he is suffering with a 'hamstring overload' which kept him out of a session on Wednesday morning.
