Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos has reportedly rejected a move to Premier League side Aston Villa after Unai Emery's new club attempted to bring the midfielder back to England.
The 26-year-old played under Emery at Arsenal during the 2019-2020 campaign, featuring 37 times in that particular season and scoring twice for the Gunners as they finished eighth.
Appearing in 11 league games for Carlo Ancelotti so far this season and starting on just two occasions - accompanied by the fact his current deal expires in the summer - there has been interest in the playmaker, with Marca claiming Villa, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid have all approached Ceballos.
Despite interest from around Europe, the 11-time Spain international is hoping to continue to ply his trade in Spain and play himself into a fresh contract offer at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Villa boss Emery has looked to lure familiar faces to the West Midlands since taking charge at Villa Park, with the club also linked to Marseille midfielder and former Arsenal man Matteo Guendouzi.
"Some players, of course, if I know them, could be a good possibility to bring them and to be with us," admitted the 51-year-old last month, however with the window now shut, Emery must wait until the summer to reignite any old flames.
Next up for Villa is a trip to the Etihad where they will face title-chasing Manchester City, with Emery's men currently 11th in the Premier League standings as they look to achieve a top-half Premier League finish for the first time in 12 years.
Carter White
