Arsenal new boy Dani Ceballos reveals pal Hector Bellerin helped convince him to snub Spurs for Emirates loan
ARSENAL new boy Dani Ceballos says fellow Spaniard Hector Bellerin helped lure him from Real Madrid – despite earlier interest from Spurs.
SunSport revealed Ceballos’ season-long loan will cost £15million in fee and wages, although there is no permanent deal attached at the end.
And the midfielder, 22, revealed right-back Bellerin urged him not to hesitate in becoming Unai Emery‘s second summer recruit.
Ceballos told Arsenal’s official website: “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.”
But Emery’s assurances over regular starts also helped tip the balance – amid earlier interest in the Real fringe player from Champions League finalists Tottenham.
Six-cap Ceballos hopes to establish himself in the Spain team for Euro 2020.
He took a major step forward with that dream this summer by shining for his country’s Under-21s.
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And an impressive debut season in the Premier League would dramatically increase his chances.
Meanwhile, after a quiet transfer window, Emery has completed two deals today.
Having signed 18-year-old Brazilian striker Gabriel Martinelli three weeks ago, Emery followed up this afternoon’s capture of Ceballos with the £27m purchase of another Spurs target, St Etienne centre-back William Saliba.