Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos convinced Real Madrid not to sell him to the Gunners as he still believes he can make it at the Bernabeu, according to Marca.

In news that will disappoint Arsenal fans, the Spaniard is said to be hoping that his performances out on loan in the Premier League will convince his parent club to make him part of their first-team plans.

Manager Zinedine Zidane told Ceballos that he was not needed in the summer but Real’s board are hoping the midfielder will do enough while he is at the Emirates to change the Frenchman’s mind.

Another reason why a permanent switch was not considered is that Ceballos is currently in a dispute with his agents and doesn’t want them to receive any fee from a potential transfer.

It does appear unlikely then that the 23-year-old will be plying his trade at the club next season. Circumstances do, however, change and things may look a lot different at the end of the campaign.