Finding a replacement for Toni Kroos remains a priority for Real Madrid. Since his departure, the Whites have been left with a void that has been difficult to fill. Carlo Ancelotti has put his faith in Ceballos to fill the void, and he is performing at a high level to change the minds of those who wanted him out of the Santiago Bernabéu.
Ceballos is once again becoming a key player for Real Madrid. He is the player with the most interceptions (89), the most passes (81) and the highest pass accuracy (79%). He is also second in the percentage of passes completed (97.5% to Tchouameni’s 97.9%) and the percentage of passes completed in the final third (94.9%), according to Diario AS.
Ceballos‘ journey at Real Madrid has not been a bed of roses. Since arriving at the Bernabéu, he has never found the continuity he needed to earn his stripes, either through injury or the good work of his teammates. Now that he has found some continuity, he has proved to be the white compass. The player has a contract that runs until 2027 and, despite months of speculation linking him with a move to Real Betis, his continuity is growing ever stronger.
Real Madrid favourite
Despite the player’s good performances, Real Madrid are still looking for a new Toni Kroos. Several names have been mentioned, but the one that is gaining strength is that of Martín Zubimendi. Arsenal have already made it clear that they are willing to pay the Txuriurdin’s release clause in the summer market, but according to The Athletic, Real Madrid are not giving up the fight to sign the player and are in “increasingly intense” talks to sign the Real player. It will be a battle between Madrid and Arsenal for the midfielder.
The Real Sociedad player has a release clause of 60 million euros. “Real Madrid have asked for him and Real Sociedad are referring to the €60 million clause. Martin Zubimendi will leave at the end of the season. Real are trying to extend his contract, but the player is clear that he wants to grow. Real Madrid will be involved in the bidding because they see that they need him and believe that he is the ideal alternative to the player who would fit in there like a glove,” said MARCA.
According to TEAMtalk, the Madrid-based club have been making moves in recent weeks with the clear aim of paving the way for the player’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu. The offer has been set at 60 million, although Defensa Central revealed a few days ago that Real Sociedad could accept a fixed fee of 45 million, including a player of interest to the Basque giants.
“Real Madrid and Arsenal are still interested in Martín Zubimendi. Real Sociedad are demanding a release clause of 60 million euros for the Spanish international,” says transfer specialist Ekrem Konur. Competition is fierce and the economic potential of the Premier League is well known, but the Whites like the player and would be willing to make an effort.
In addition, Vinicius’ departure is becoming more and more rumoured, and the amount of money Real Madrid would receive if the Brazilian were to leave would allow them to consider several operations they have in mind for the summer market, such as that of Martín Zubimendi. The player could also choose to continue playing in La Liga and living in Spain over a move to English football.