Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was reportedly so determined to bring Dani Ceballos back to the Emirates that he personally stepped in to ensure that a deal was completed.

Ceballos enjoyed an impressive second half of the season on loan at Arsenal from Real Madrid in the 2019-20 campaign, forming an effective midfield partnership with Granit Xhaka as the Gunners won the FA Cup.

The Spaniard initially travelled back to Madrid for the current season, but Arsenal managed to secure the signature of Ceballos on loan for the 2020-21 campaign as well.

Now, Marca claim that Arteta, who would normally allow technical director Edu to handle transfer business, urged the powers-that-be at the Emirates Stadium to get another deal for Ceballos completed - even if it was just on loan rather than a permanent move.

The 24-year-old's long-term future still remains unclear, however, with Real Madrid supposedly viewing him as an integral part of their future plans at the Bernabeu.

Ceballos has made 43 appearances for the Gunners across his two loan spells, and the former Real Betis man can look forward to sharing a midfield with deadline-day arrival Thomas Partey following the international break.