Dani Ceballos can go but Arsenal need to snap up other two loan stars

By Peter White

The countdown to Arsenal’s biggest clash of the campaign is almost over, with the outcome of Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal likely to point towards the sort of summer Arsenal fans can expect.

If Mikel Arteta’s men overcome the 2-1 disadvantage and successfully navigate themselves into the competition showpiece for the second time in three seasons, a spot in next year’s Champions League remains within reach.

A return to the premier continental competition would enhance the club’s ability to attract some of the planet’s hottest prospects, with the 14-time FA Cup winners bidding to recapture former glories under the Spaniard.

Exiting at the last-four stage however would mark the latest blemish on a largely disappointing campaign, particularly due to domestic form that sees the Gunners languishing in ninth place in the Premier League, with four games to go.

Several members of the Emirates faithful will emphasise the idea that Arsenal are in a period of transition, with Arteta himself suggesting that this summer's transfer window will facilitate many comings and goings within the squad.

He said: “There are a lot of players in various situations. It’s crucial. We want to go to the next level and there are a lot of things we need to do to get there.”

While the futures of players such as Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah and Matteo Guendouzi remain uncertain, rumours are starting to ramp up about the possible capture of the likes of Julian Brandt, Max Aarons and Yves Bissouma.

Though the calibre of incoming talent may depend on Europa League success, Arsenal will be tasked with settling the futures of three current members of the first-team setup whose loan deals are set to end in a matter of weeks.

Dani Ceballos, Mathew Ryan and Martin Odegaard have all played their part during 2020/21, and their performances have fuelled much debate about whether they should be offered permanent deals.

Regardless of how Arsenal’s season finishes the players’ familiarity within the setup could work in the club’s favour if they wish to pursue them on longer-term contracts. But the question is, should they?

Not Dani enough

Originally signed on loan from Spanish giants Real Madrid in July 2019, Spain midfielder Dani Ceballos has largely split opinions among Arsenal fans throughout his two years in north London.

Following a somewhat underwhelming start to his Gunners career Ceballos gradually established himself in the team that finished eighth in the Premier League in 2019/20, making 37 appearances in all competitions and playing a key role in FA Cup success.

But a combination of fitness issues, competition for places and poor form has restricted the 24-year-old to just 16 starts in the Premier League this term, while his costly mistakes have yielded calls for his immediate departure.

Gunners legend Ian Wright was among those critical of Ceballos after his red card against Villarreal last week, stating his preference for weekend goalscorer Mohamed Elneny as a safer pair of hands in the middle of the park.

He said: “For me Ceballos doesn’t make my team - I’d rather have Elneny in there.

“I know he scored the other day, but he has got a drive and determination about him. You cannot dislike his output and what he’s trying to do for the team.”

Reports suggest Ceballos is unlikely to stay on at Arsenal beyond this season, with the player himself said to be keen for a return to Spain and boss Arteta supposedly convinced he can recruit a higher-quality replacement.

Brighton midfielder Bissouma appears to be among the list of top targets, suggesting we’re close to seeing the last of Ceballos, who has also clashed with teammates David Luiz and Eddie Nketiah during his time at the club.

Ryan’s a keeper

Mathew Ryan’s loan move from Premier League bottom-half side Brighton didn’t set too many pulses racing back in January, but the Australian stopper has established himself as a reliable understudy during his short stint at the club.

Certainly, after Runar Alex Runarsson’s calamitous showing against Manchester City back in December, an air of stability was just what the doctor ordered.

Ryan, 29, has conceded just two goals in three top-flight appearances so far, leading to some fans calling for him to start ahead of Bernd Leno between the sticks for Thursday’s all-important Villarreal showdown.

Much of that is to do with the German’s inconsistent form of late, with his own goal against Everton the latest in a string of high-profile mistakes that has seen him keep just two clean sheets in his last 17 appearances.

While speculation about Leno’s potential departure continues to linger, recent reports have indicated that Arsenal could try their luck with a summer bid for Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon, who has featured six times for Spain this season.

Regardless of what happens Ryan would offer a solid backup option, and with a reported price tag of under £10m his permanent signing could represent the most sensible piece of business going.

Martin must stay

Martin Odegaard was the last of Arsenal’s three loan stars to sign on at the end of January, but he has arguably made the biggest impression and is surely among Arteta’s top targets this summer.

The Norwegian has only scored two goals in 16 appearances since joining Real Madrid teammate Ceballos at the Emirates, but his creative nous has filled a void in the Arsenal XI over the past few months.

Having increasingly demonstrated what all the hype was about when Real Madrid signed him as a 16-year-old in 2015, Odegaard is likely to be hot property in the summer, with a string of Premier League clubs apparently interested in his signature if he leaves the Bernabeu.

Whether Arsenal can persuade him his long-term future rests with them is likely to depend in some part on whether they’re back among Europe’s elite in the Champions League next season, with the 22-year-old still up there with the continent’s most exciting talents.

The permanent signing of someone with such ability would certainly send out a signal of intent that the Gunners are serious about reclaiming their place towards the top of the football ladder.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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