Dani Ceballos Set for Talks Over Marseille Move

Olympique Marseille want to sign Dani Ceballos on loan from Real Madrid. The Spanish midfielder may leave Spain before the transfer window closes.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Olympique Marseille have intensified their pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos on loan, with an option to buy at the end of the season. They have begun negotiations with Real Madrid, hoping to sign the midfielder on loan, and have already held advanced talks with Ceballos’ representatives over personal terms, as they look to bring the experienced Spaniard to France according to recent reports. The transfer window shuts on September 1, so the next few days will be key. Ceballos is believed to be interested in the switch to Marseille in order to play more football and start afresh away from Madrid.

WHY IS MARSEILLE MAKING THIS MOVE?

Marseille’s midfield is set to change with Adrien Rabiot expected to leave the club, and signing a midfielder is a big priority for the club as per reports. Ceballos has become the number one target to bolster the squad. Marseille have had a difficult start to the season, as they find themselves in ninth position after four games with five points. They just beat Paris FC by 5-2 after losing their opener to Rennes, which triggered the transfer listing of Rowe and Rabiot. Ceballos, on the other hand, has not been a regular starter for Real Madrid this season, having only featured once, coming on as a second-half substitute in games. He came on in the 85th minute in Madrid’s 3-0 win over Real Oviedo last Sunday, and wants to play more minutes and revive his Spain career.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Marseille will continue to pursue Ceballos and try to strike an agreement with Real Madrid and the player over the loan switch. They will face Lyon away from home next weekend before the international window. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have had a strong start in La Liga this season, having won their opening two games and sitting at the top of the table after back-to-back wins. All sides want to agree terms before the deadline in order for the move to happen this week.