Mikel Arteta challenges ace to prove that he is worth a starting spot

Mikel Arteta has urged Dani Ceballos to win back his place in the Arsenal starting XI by proving his worth.

Ceballos joined the Gunners from Real Madrid on loan at the start of the season and started his Arsenal career well with two good performances in his first two outings.

However, he struggled for form and also got injured when Arteta became manager, he has, however, struggled to break into the first team under the Spaniard now that he is fit.

He has been linked with a move to Spain this month with several Spanish sides looking to get him in.

Ceballos is keen to make Spain’s squad for Euro 2020 and he believes he needs to play more to make the cut.

Mikel Arteta was asked about the player’s links with other teams and he said the player has to work to get back in the team.

“I had a conversation with Dani. When I joined the club he wasn’t here. He was in Madrid because he was doing his rehab for over a month with the team that owns him,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“I haven’t seen much of him because he only trained with us for a week or 10 days.

“It’s very early to assess what I can or cannot do with him. I heard about all those things but I have nothing to comment.

“He needs to get back to fitness and fight for his place like any other player. After that we will make a selection that is fair with what I see on the pitch.”

It is a shame that, to date, it has not worked out with Ceballos, he is clearly talented, however, he needs to do it on a consistent basis. If he does that then he will nail down a regular spot and increase his chances of making the Spain squad for the Euro’s.

The ball is clearly in his court.

7 Comments

  1. Just like Pepe needs a couple of consecutive games to get into the swing of things, particularly in his position. Lots of potential there if he works hard.

  2. Really hasn’t shown what the hype has been all about and he has had a few games already to prove his worth. He seems to have potential but the PL may be too tough, physical and intense for him, needs some plum appointment in southern Europe somewhere. Like Arteta says, really has to show what he can do in training. If he merits a place he’ll get another chance to impress on the field. But, since it’s Ceballos apparently looking for an exit, seems like he’s already realized the PL isn’t for him.

  3. If he works hard and proves himself to Arteta, nothing like it. I liked him a lot when he played against Birnley. He must put up such performances week in and week out, and Arsenal need his performances as much as he wants to play for Spain in the Euros. He is talented or else Madrid would not have signed him in the first place, and Arteta can surely take him to greater heights. Also, in the position he plays, either as a no.10 or no.8, Arsenal need someone of that talent.

  4. Arsenal are on the verge of announcing a deal for Flamengo defender Pablo Mari, with the centre-back spotted flying to London with Gunners technical director Edu to have his medical.

    Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to bring in reinforcements in the January window, with a central defender one of several positions he was hoping to strengthen this month.

    And Edu has been working hard to secure a new recruit, finally convincing Flamengo to sell Mari despite the Brazilian side being loathe to lose such an important player.

    According to GloboEsporte, a breakthrough in talks was made on Friday and the Spanish defender quickly boarded a plane to London with Edu which will touch down on Saturday lunchtime.

    He will now undergo a medical and pen personal terms as the Gunners look to wrap up a deal worth around £2million before next Friday’s transfer window deadline.

    Mari, 26, has had an interesting career, having been bought by Manchester City but never actually playing a match for the Premier League champions.

    1. Kayode, I would believe it if you are the one that spotted at the airport. Otherwise I will wait for the official site of the club to announce it.

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