In a shocking move, the player is seeking a move to a local rival.
"Dani Ceballos, 27, wants to betray Real Madrid and leave Atletico Madrid this summer," Spanish media outlet Marca reported on Wednesday.
Ceballos joined Real in 2017 from Real Betis. Having proven his potential at Betis, it was expected that he would have no problem fitting in at Real.
The reality was different. Ceballos struggled for playing time at Real. He was pushed out of the lineup by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, and only made 22 appearances in his first season.
Ceballos didn't give up easily. In 2019, after a loan spell at Arsenal, he was once again in contention for the Real first team. It was hoped that his experience at Arsenal would prove invaluable.
His performance exceeded expectations. Last season, he scored one goal and provided nine assists in 46 games across all competitions, leapfrogging Kroos and Modric into a near first-team role.
He was rewarded with a new contract. "We have extended the 스포츠토토 contract of Ceballos until 2027," Real announced on the club's official website last year.
The happy partnership didn't last until this season. Ceballos was once again relegated to the bench this season as he struggled to compete for a starting role. He started just two games in the league.
His patience was wearing thin. According to the report, Ceballos recently entered advanced talks with Atletico over a move this summer.
Signing a new midfielder is one of Atletico's top targets for the summer. Atletico boss Diego Simeone has now identified Ceballos as a key target, after initially targeting Youssouf Fofana.
It is not unlikely that a deal will go through. According to Marca, "Real already have plenty of midfield options. If the right offer comes in, they will allow Ceballos to leave," according to Marca.