Arsenal have not been able to secure a purchase clause in their second loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, according to reports in the Spanish media.

The Gunners attempted to include an option to buy as well as trying to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis but the La Liga side are keen for the player to return next summer to compete for a place in their first team.

Ceballos had made it known to the Spanish club’s hierarchy that he needed to be playing regular first-team football in order to secure a place in Spain’s squad for the European Championships.

It was, therefore, seen as beneficial for him to go out on loan once again, but the player did seek reassurances from Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta about his playing time.

The Gunners boss has reportedly been in constant contact with the Spanish international since he returned to Madrid last month and he told the player that he will play a vital role in central midfield. The London club are expected to confirm Ceballos’s return imminently.