Arsenal have reportedly been handed a boost in their effort to turn the current loan deal for Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos into a permanent one next summer.

It seems that the midfielder himself insisted that the agreement between the two clubs didn’t contain an option to buy, as he planned to return to the Spanish capital in 2020. Now, however, AS claim that things have changed and his relationship with Real head coach Zinedine Zidane has deteriorated to such an extent that he has no intention of playing for him again.

Earlier reports said the 23-year-old Spaniard had held talks with Real president Florentino Perez to discuss a potential departure, but he is still afraid he could be forced to stay, with Los Blancos potentially demanding €42 million to let him go. On the other hand, Arsenal are hoping to get the deal done for around €35 million.

Ceballos missed Arsenal’s defeat away to Leicester City last week with a hamstring injury he picked up in the Europa League clash with Vitoria Guimaraes, but he is expected to be ready when the Gunners host Southampton after the international break.