Real Madrid transfer news: Dani Ceballos exit 'formula' revealed amid Marseille talks

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos is reportedly set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu after eight years.

The 29-year-old joined Los Blancos in a €18m (£15.5m) deal in July 2017 following three full seasons at Real Betis.

Although the Spain international has not always been first choice in Madrid, he has played 193 times for the European giants, winning two La Liga titles in 2021-22 and 2023-24, along with three Champions League trophies in 2017-18, 2021-22 and 2023-24.

The midfielder’s loan spell away from the club between 2019 and 2021 proved fruitful, with Ceballos making five appearances for Arsenal en route to their 2019-20 FA Cup success under Mikel Arteta, ultimately totalling 77 games in all competitions across both campaigns.

Since returning to the 15-time European champions, he has made 86 league appearances, including two this season under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

The ex-Bayer Leverkusen boss is already without Jude Bellingham after shoulder surgery and Eduardo Camavinga due to an ankle problem, while Luka Modric left for AC Milan this summer after 13 years at the club.

However, this has not prevented speculation linking Ceballos with a move to Olympique Marseille.

Ceballos to possibly profit after 'unacceptable' Rabiot incident

According to Fabrizio Romano, Marseille and Madrid are in 'direct talks' regarding the player, who is interested in joining the French side managed by Roberto De Zerbi.

The transfer expert states that a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for less than €15m (£13m) has been considered.

Romano's report further notes that Marseille's interest in Ceballos does not depend on what happens with Adrien Rabiot.

The French midfielder was placed on the transfer list by last year’s Ligue 1 runners-up after reports in the French media claimed there was a physical altercation with Jonathan Rowe in the locker room following the club's 1-0 top-flight defeat by Rennes on August 15.

The club’s statement described the incident as "unacceptable behaviour in the dressing room,” and both men have since been ostracised from the Marseille squad, with a move expected before the end of the summer transfer window on September 1.

What does Ceballos potentially add to the Marseille squad?

While Ceballos has never been a prolific goalscoring midfielder, as evidenced by his lack of league goals for the Madrid giants since the 2018-19 season or in the Premier League at Arsenal during his two seasons on loan, his ball-carrying ability and forward passing are standout qualities.

According to Fbref, the 29-year-old is in the 99th percentile for progressive passes among midfielders over the past year, while also sitting in the 93rd percentile for progressive carries.

Furthermore, Ceballos ranks in the 93rd percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 among players in his position, indicating his role as a facilitator rather than a goalscorer.

That sentiment is supported by his ranking in the 15th percentile for shots per 90, the ninth percentile for non-penalty goals and the 43rd percentile for assists.