Arsenal manager Unai Emery has responded to reports in Spain that Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is close to joining the club on loan.

Madrid based publication AS described the Gunners as being “one step away” from completing a deal for the 22-year-old, and although Emery wouldn’t be drawn into saying whether a move is close, he did praise his fellow Spaniard:

“I don’t want to speak about the names. Dani Ceballos is a very good player.”

Ceballos is on holiday until July 22nd so any official announcement is likely to be done following his return, and it is believed that manager Zinedine Zidane will need to give final approval to any loan deal.

Tottenham and Liverpool have also been linked with the Spanish international in recent weeks but it appears that Arsenal are now the frontrunners.

Emery is keen to sign up to four players in the next three weeks before the transfer window shuts. Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, a centre-back and a winger are likely to be the priorities, in addition to Ceballos.