Ceballos makes Arteta prediction after Arsenal exit

After reiterating plans to not continue at Arsenal for another season, Dani Ceballos gave a bold verdict on manager Mikel Arteta’s future.

Dani Ceballos has backed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to become ‘one of the best’ coaches in a few years time.

Arteta has endured mixed fortunes in his first-ever managerial role. He got off to a flying start upon replacing Unai Emery in December 2019 by leading Arsenal to FA Cup and Community Shield glory. Things soon went downhill, however, in his first full campaign. The Gunners were left trophyless in 2020/21 and a dismal eighth-place Premier League finish cost them European football for next season.

But while this turn of events has left Arteta in the firing line, Ceballos is convinced his fellow Spaniard will become an elite manager someday.

The 24-year-old reckons Arteta’s spell as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City will leave him in good stead. He also reiterated plans to not extend his loan spell with Arsenal for a third season.

“Arteta is a coach who has been with Guardiola for a few years,” Ceballos told Cadena SER.

“He is a coach who in a few years will be one of the best, but I would like to return to La Liga.”

What next for Ceballos?

The former Real Betis star now intends to hold talks with new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti over his future. With the 2022 World Cup just around the corner, he wants as much game time as possible.

“I believe that this year I have hardened a lot as a player and I think now is the time to settle in a club with a long contract and be able to show my game,” said Ceballos.

“Ancelotti has just arrived, and we have to talk. I have never met him, but there are players who speak well of him. I’m sure that Madrid will be good.

“It is clear that the first thing is to talk to the coach and find out what he wants from me and also tell him what I want, which is to be important.

“I am not going to the European Championship and soon there will be a World Cup. It has to be a talk between the two with clear things.”