After beginning his career with Real Betis, the 27-year-old completed a move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017.

The Spaniard subsequently spent two years on loan at Arsenal, before he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.

Ceballos has been unable to establish himself as a prominent figure in the Real Madrid side, demonstrated by the fact he started just eight of his 27 competitive appearances last season.

He still has three years left to run on his contract after signing a new deal last summer to extend his stay until June 2027.

Ceballos wants to leave Real Madrid

However, according to The Athletic, Ceballos is keen to leave the European champions to gain regular playing time elsewhere.

Ceballos has spoken to Real Madrid about his stance and talks are expected to take place over the course of the summer.

Los Blancos are also aware that several clubs have shown an interest in signing Ceballos ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The midfielder's preference is to remain in Spain, but his salary could prove to be a stumbling block for other La Liga clubs.

Real Madrid's midfield situation

The Spanish champions have already seen one midfielder depart this summer after Toni Kroos made the decision to retire following Euro 2024.

Ancelotti is still left with an array of talent in the middle of the park, including Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric.

Even if Ceballos departs this summer, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not expected to sign a new midfielder this summer.

Instead, Real Madrid will promote at least one of Mario Martin or Nico Paz from the Castilla side - the club's reserve team which is managed by legendary forward Raul.

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