Aston Villa may make a move to sign Dani Ceballos this summer.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Dani Ceballos is a potential transfer target for Aston Villa.
Unai Emery is certainly very familiar with the Real Madrid midfielder’s qualities. The Spanish coach brought Ceballos to the Emirates Stadium on loan when he was in charge at Arsenal. Upon bringing Ceballos to north London, Emery said, “he is a talented player with big technical ability, creativity and precision,” as quoted by BBC Sport.
Ceballos ultimately spent two seasons with the Gunners, before returning to his parent club in La Liga. Inconsistency was the key feature of the 27-year-old’s stint in the Premier League. At times he was a mesmerising presence in the middle of park, dancing past his opponents with flair and grace. However, more often than that, games seemed to pass him by completely.
Since returning to Real Madrid, Ceballos has managed to establish himself as a very useful squad player. The 13-cap Spain international enjoyed his best season for Los Blancos last time out, making 46 appearances in all competitions.
He has certainly managed to convince Carlo Ancelotti of his quality. The Real Madrid boss turned to Ceballos when Luka Modric was sidelined with injury, crediting the player with having the “most similar characteristics” to the Croatian playmaker, as quoted by The Athletic.
Do Aston Villa need Ceballos?
Ceballos certainly seems to have developed since his return to the Spanish capital club, and could now be ready to shine in the Premier League on a regular basis.
Emery may well be keen on a reunion with the midfielder, but there is a question mark over whether or not Aston Villa actually need him. With Europa Conference League football to contend with, there will be plenty of games for the Villans to play this season, and squad depth will be more important than ever.
However, the likes of John McGinn, new signing Youri Tielemans, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey, and Boubacar Kamara already make for a well-stocked midfield contingent at Villa Park.
Unless there is a major bargain to be had, Villa can get by without Ceballos this season.
