Aston Villa are reportedly preparing to make a €15m offer to try and prise Dani Ceballos away from Real Madrid this month.
The 26-year-old signed a contract renewal earlier this summer to keep him at the Bernabeu until 2027, but although he scored one goal and provided nine assists in 46 appearances last season, increased competition for places has seemingly raised doubts over his future again.
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Unai Emery knows the Spanish midfielder well after their stint working together at Arsenal, while he also has 13 caps for Spain to his name as he has gained valuable experience and shown his quality at the top level.
According to Sport though, Villa are preparing to lodge a €15m offer with Emery said to be keen on a reunion with his compatriot, and so he has instructed our President of Football Operations, Monchi, to try and reach an agreement, albeit Ceballos is currently recovering from an injury and is expected to miss the start of the season.
Time will tell if Villa’s interest is genuine firstly, and if so, whether or not a deal can be done with Real Madrid, and if Ceballos can be convinced over a move to join us.
Speaking last week to reporters, Emery revealed that he expects further exits this month and that Villa will be ready to move for targets if they become available and would significantly improve us.
Fabrizio Romano previously reported this summer that Villa are open to listening to offers for Leander Dendoncker, while Morgan Sanson and Marvelous Nakamba have already left.
Youri Tielemans arrived on a free transfer to strengthen our midfield, but if Dendoncker were to leave too, that could open up space and resources for Emery to bring in Ceballos and add more quality to the squad as he continues to stamp his mark on the group with players perhaps better suited to his ideas.
There is a sense that having also signed Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby already this summer that we’ll see departures now before we act again in the market, but Ceballos is seemingly one to look out for as our midfield options could continue to evolve.
