Arsenal and Real Madrid have had a good relationship over the course of the past three decades and have benefitted one another with transfers in both directions. Some have worked and others haven’t but Mikel Arteta’s introduction to the dynamic between the two sides has created a period of regret and intrigue.
Working backwards, Arsenal sold Nicolas Anelka in 1999 to Los Blancos and Arsene Wenger used the money to the Arsenal Training Centre which has continued to improve all the way through Arteta’s playing days and now management. In that time through to the Spaniard’s appointment in 2020, the two sides have seen the likes of Davor Suker, Julio Baptista and Mesut Ozil make a switch between the sides.
Arteta arrived and inherited his own Real Madrid prodigy, Dani Ceballos. The Spaniard had been struggling to establish himself since his move from Real Betis where he’d gained a reputation as a technical midfielder that could provide a threat in the final third.
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However, with the presence of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Ceballos didn’t seemingly stand much of a chance of regular minutes and his relationship with Zinedine Zidane wasn’t the best it could be. Arteta took Ceballos on and he became a key part of the side, forming a partnership with Granit Xhak in a midfield two which was key to the run in the FA Cup which saw the Gunners lift their first trophy in the Arteta era.
In the summer, Arteta re-signed Ceballos. He made his reasoning clear and it looked as though he would continue to flourish.
"Dani was an integral part of our team last season and finished the season in excellent form," Arteta said. "I love Dani's passion and commitment and he's a highly skilful player. We're all delighted to welcome him back and we look forward to seeing him pick up where he left off."
However, despite continuing to develop under Arteta, the presence of Thomas Partey, who signed permanently in 2020, meant Ceballos was used more sparingly and returned mainly in the Ghanaian’s absence. In January though, Arteta decided to double the Los Blancos presence with the loan signing of Martin Odegaard.
It’s fair to say the pathway of these two Real Madrid starlets diverged almost from the moment Odegaard arrived. The Norwegian is now the club captain, in double figures for Premier League goals and an integral part of the Gunners side, scoring in two North London Derbies ensuring cult hero status forever.
Ceballos meanwhile was not re-signed for a third time and Arsenal brought in Albert Sambi Lokonga from Anderlecht. Real Madrid have been questioned by Spanish outlet Marca for letting Odegaard leave after what has been a brilliant rise at the Gunners.
Yet, Madrid have still benefitted from the player they managed to keep hold of. Ceballos grew at Arsenal, becoming a fan of the side a regularly posting on social media his appreciation for his former club and head coach.
Ceballos has made 29 appearances for Real Madrid this season, making 11 starts. He’s contributed with six assists including one in each of the Club World Cup matches as Los Blancos won the competition once again.
He had four goal contributions in the first three rounds of the Copa del Rey but was dropped for the semi-final first leg against Barcelona, not coming off the bench, a game Real Madrid lost. With Modric and Kroos still at Real it was always going to be tough but even with Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga as options, Carlo Ancelotti has called on the Spaniard in key games this season.
Arsenal will, I think it’s safe to be confident now, return to the Champions League in the summer. Meaning the two sides could meet for the first time since the famous Thierry Henry Bernabeu masterclass.
In competitive fixtures, the Gunners have never lost to Los Blancos. Ceballos could well still be part of the squad next season and has certainly proven he can succeed in the Spanish capital, meaning a potential reunion in north London could be on the cards.
Mikel Arteta’s influence on these two midfielders has been clear and obvious. Odegaard is sure to be an asset for this Arsenal team as it looks to establish itself at the top once again, whilst Ceballos has found a new level and perhaps a way out of the tunnel of uncertainty in which he was trapped prior to his switch to north London.
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