Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has been one of the few names that has been on the table when it comes to departures in the final month of the transfer market. The 28-year-old feels he is in the best shape of his career, but is not receiving the minutes he desires at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti and his assistant Davide Ancelotti are doing their best to persuade Ceballos to stay, but the Spanish international is keen to leave as things stand. Hometown club Real Betis are interested, as are AS Monaco, the former as Nabil Fekir looks set to leave and free up space in their salary limit.
Ceballos has been a long-term target, but thus far, Betis have only offered for 50% of his rights, say Diario AS. The biggest obstacle for Ceballos’ exit currently is his asking price. Los Blancos have made it clear that they will only accept an exit for a €20m fee, which is far off from what Betis and Monaco have so far gotten too. Ceballos has three years left on his deal in the Spanish capital, but his €4-5m annual salary will not be an issue.
If he is to leave, it looks as if he may have to persuade Real Madrid to drop their demands. Given there are barely two days left in the transfer window, Los Blancos will not have much time to react to Ceballos’ prospective exit. This also comes after Mario Martin has been allowed to leave on loan, and Toni Kroos retired this summer, with no midfield additions.
