Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos says he does not want to leave the Spanish club, but he accepts he may have to depart the Bernabeu in order to play.

Speaking after starring in Spain’s 4-1 win over France in the European Under 21 Championship semi-final, the 22-year-old said:

“I don’t want them to sell me. I want to enjoy myself and feel important, wherever that may be. I have a bit of experience and I believe that next year will be my best year [yet].”

Reports in Spain in recent days have linked both Arsenal and Tottenham with a €50m (£45m) move for Ceballos.

The midfielder would apparently prefer a loan move but manager Zinedine Zidane wants the midfielder to leave on a permanent basis.

Real’s president Florentino Perez and chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez are believed to be massive fans of the player but Zidane is insistent that Ceballos is sold.

His asking price would likely be too steep for the Gunners, but Real could be open to a loan deal that includes a purchase option.

Ceballos made 34 appearances for the La Liga side last season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.