Ceballos Hails Arteta as Arsenal Seal First League Title Since 2004

Arsenal's drought has ended. With Manchester City's inability to overcome Bournemouth on Tuesday sealing the fate, the Gunners are confirmed as Premier League champions for the first time since 2004—regardless of Sunday's visit to Crystal Palace.

The north London club stands on the verge of something truly historic. A European crown awaits on May 30, when they face defending Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

The congratulations have come flooding in, and among those offering his warmest wishes is a familiar face: Dani Ceballos. The Real Madrid midfielder spent two seasons at the Emirates on loan—2019/20 and 2020/21—and clearly harbours fond memories of his time in north London.

Over 77 appearances for Arsenal, the Spanish midfielder contributed two goals and six assists. More importantly, he worked under Mikel Arteta, and that relationship clearly left an impression.

Taking to social media at 8:27am on May 20, Ceballos delivered his verdict: "Congratulations to Arsenal, the players and the fans for winning the league title. Especially to Mikel Arteta. You always believed in the club and worked harder than anyone to achieve this. You deserve it, boss. Congratulations, family @Arsenal"

For Ceballos himself, however, the outlook is decidedly less rosy. The 29-year-old has been at Real Madrid since 2017 and remains contracted until summer 2027, yet his future at the Bernabéu is effectively over. Relations with manager Alvaro Arbeloa have deteriorated, and with Jose Mourinho returning for his second spell in charge, Ceballos finds himself surplus to requirements.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed in April that Ceballos would be heading for the exit, with Ajax among the interested parties. This week, Romano identified three clubs circling: Marseille, Real Betis, and Ajax.

Despite the obvious affection between player and club, a return to Arsenal appears unlikely—even on modest financial terms. But for now, Ceballos is content to celebrate what his former manager has achieved.