Arsenal 'step up Ceballos chase after sealing £27m Saliba deal'

The Gunners are hopeful of finalising a loan move for the Real Madrid midfielder, while they're also preparing a third bid for Kieran Tierney

Arsenal are hoping to wrap up a swift move for Dani Ceballos having finally sealed a deal to land William Saliba from Saint-Etienne.

Although the £27 million ($34m) transfer has yet to be announced, the Gunners have seen off competition from north London rivals Spurs to sign the highly-rated centre-back.

Arsenal are delighted to have got their man, with the Gunners having scouted Saliba extensively since the turn of the year following his breakthrough into senior football in Ligue 1.

There were fears they could lose him at the last minute after Spurs launched a late move for the defender, but Saliba’s preference was always to join Arsenal.

Once confirmed, he will be the north London club’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli.

And Arsenal are hopeful that further new additions will follow, potentially by the end of next week - with the capture of Ceballos set to be finalised in the coming days.

Talks have progressed well with the Spanish giants and they could even be concluded in person when the two teams meet in Washington on Wednesday night in the International Champions Cup.

Like Arsenal, Madrid are already in the United States and will take on Bayern Munich on Sunday in Houston.

Ceballos has not travelled with the squad, however, as he is still on holiday due to his involvement with Spain Under-21s at the European Championship earlier in the summer.

He is due back next week and Arsenal are hopeful a deal can be wrapped up swiftly for the attacking midfielder, who will spend the season on loan at the Emirates.

Arsenal will pay Madrid a loan fee for the 22-year-old, while also covering his wages - believed to be around £3m a year.