Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is likely to have played his last game for the club, unless there is an unexpected turn in his future.
The Spanish footballer has been part of Los Blancos for nine years, including a two-year loan spell at Arsenal, but now it seems he is very close to leaving this summer.
Ceballos has long been a secondary player in the team, while in Carlo Ancelotti's last season and currently, his playing time has been reduced even more. He rejected a move to Olympique Marseille last year, but now his situation seems inevitable for him to leave. According to reports, Ajax have shown interest in him, while the player himself prefers a return to Real Betis. He currently has one year left on his contract with Real Madrid.
According to Brand, Ceballos will no longer play for the club. He was unexpectedly absent from last week's 1-1 draw against Real Betis, with coach Arbeloa only replying that he "calls up all the players I consider suitable".
The main reason for his dismissal is reportedly a clash with Arbeloa. The two had had disagreements earlier in the season, and their relationship has recently deteriorated further after an argument in the coach's office last week, after which a severance of professional relations was requested.
Although Ceballos continues to train with the team, he is practically no longer considered part of the squad for official matches. He himself has made it known to his teammates that the situation between him and Arbeloa is personal.
Reports add that the club are backing the coach in this conflict, while suspicions are that Ceballos may have precipitated the clash himself to justify his departure and facilitate a transfer to another club. Real Madrid, however, are willing to allow him to leave this summer.
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