Dani Ceballos, a midfielder who started another of North London Derby off the field, with Tottenham targeting the Spainard and him joining Arsenal. Damn, ain’t that satisfying?
Arsenal have signed Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid on a season long-loan despite Spurs being in pole position to land Ceballos earlier this summer.
So what made him snub Tottenham for Arsenal?
Unai Emery was a key factor. While Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham were confident of a deal after meeting Ceballos and his family well before his European Under-21 triumph, his mind was well made up when Unai Emery reached out to him over the phone. Emery assured tje Real Madrid man that he would play a key part at Arsenal, should the midfielder join Arsenal on temporary basis.
When asked why he chose Arsenal amid interest from other Premier League clubs, Ceballos spoke to club’s official website: ‘I knew I had the confidence of the coach, which was very important for me from the start.
‘I was aware of the responsibility that wearing this shirt entails and it was a tremendously proud moment when I decided to join Arsenal.
‘The coach was the turning point in terms of me joining this massive club. He’s a Spanish coach and he knows me from my time at other clubs.
‘I’m really happy to be able to help Arsenal achieve our objectives.’
So why did you choose Arsenal, Dani?
“I knew I had the confidence of the coach, which was very important for me from the start. I was aware of the responsibility that wearing this shirt entails and it was a tremendously proud moment when I decided to join Arsenal.”
🇪🇸 #HolaDani pic.twitter.com/BQp2TLMsOF
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 25, 2019
With Emery, Arsenal’s right back took up agent role on sidelines as Hector Bellerin also had a prep talk with Dani before his Gunners move.
When asked about players he spoke to before signing, Ceballos replied: ‘Well, as you know there are Spanish players here like Nacho Monreal and Hector Bellerin.
‘I get on really well with Hector away from football, on a personal level.
‘I told him I was thinking of joining and he told me not to think twice because this is a great city and a great club and that I was going to have a great time.
‘I can’t wait to see him and say thanks for his help in getting me here.’
Dani Ceballos can make his Arsenal debut against Olympique Lyonnais in the Emirates Cup on Sunday.
