Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder responds to Real Betis rumours: “Do not divert attention”
Dani Ceballos is one of many Real Madrid players facing an uncertain future at the club. The midfielder has played a secondary role at the club and has yet to make himself a first-team regular under Carlo Ancelotti.
Injuries have not helped him either, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, many expect the former Arsenal starlet to move on in 2023.
In light of his uncertain future, rumours have been swirling over his potential move away from Santiago Bernabeu. One such report claimed that the midfielder had rejected a move to Real Betis last month, as he is waiting for a move to the Premier League.
A central midfielder by trade, Ceballos played for Arsenal on loan for two seasons. During his time in England, he featured in 77 competitive matches for the Gunners, though he was not able to impress coach Mikel Arteta.
But while one would expect him to bat for a return to the Premier League, Ceballos himself has trashed rumours linking him to a move to England.
The midfielder responded to one tweet suggesting he had rejected a move to Real Betis. “Do not divert attention,” he retweeted (h/t Mundo Deportivo). The player indicated that he is still a part of Real Madrid and there is yet to be any definitive decision on his future.
Reports earlier this month had suggested that Ceballos is going to battle it out in his bid to earn a contract renewal at Real Madrid. Given the club’s lack of depth in the middle of the park, a renewal cannot be ruled out either, but a lot may depend on how the player fares during the second half of the campaign.
Manchester City have now joined the ever-growing list of admirers for Celta Vigo midfielder and Real Madrid target Gabri Veiga, reports Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail.
The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the breakout stars of La Liga this season, having impressed with his goalscoring abilities from the centre of the park. Indeed, the youngster has notched up nine goals in La Liga and his exploits have made the giants of Europe sit up and take notice.
Real Madrid are said to be interested in Veiga’s services heading into the summer. The Merengues have Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Ceballos on expiring contracts and it is unlikely that all three will be renewed, especially with Jude Bellingham being on the agenda.
In case of Modric and Kroos, even if they stay, it will likely be for only a season at the most. Hence, Los Blancos could require more than one central midfielder come summer, with Veiga emerging as an option.
The 20-year-old was also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. Now, Manchester City have also jumped on the bandwagon of clubs interested in Veiga’s services.
The Cityzens, who are battling Real Madrid for Bellingham as well, are set to lose Ilkay Gundogan in the summer when his contract expires. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva’s future is also far from certain, thus necessitating the signing of another midfielder.
Veiga has a release clause worth €40 million in his contract with Celta Vigo, which should not be a problem for either Real Madrid or Manchester City.
Celta Vigo president Carlos Mourino recently admitted that the midfielder could leave the club in the summer, saying:
“We don’t want to sell Gabri Veiga, but they are going to buy him from us. And we can’t do anything there. We know some of his offers and it is impossible to reach them.
“There are several teams behind Gabri. Real Madrid? They haven’t asked us, we don’t know if they will have called the player. Of the top 10 in the Premier League, four have asked about him.”
It will certainly be interesting to see whether Real Madrid are prepared to go all out for Veiga’s signing or decide to entirely focus on their pursuit of Bellingham.
