Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest transfer news in La Liga on Saturday, January 2.
Saturday morning's La Liga transfer talk news roundup:
Real Madrid to recall Dani Ceballos from Arsenal?
© Reuters
Real Madrid are reportedly considering recalling Dani Ceballos from his loan spell at Arsenal as the midfielder struggles for starts in red and white.
The 24-year-old impressed under Mikel Arteta during his first loan spell at the club last season and was welcomed back to the Emirates Stadium with open arms for the 2020-21 campaign.
However, Ceballos has failed to hold down a regular spot in Arteta's team this season, with Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny preferred to the Spain international in the Gunners' recent wins over Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion.
With the imminent return of Thomas Partey also set to hinder Ceballos's chances of breaking back into the team, Calciomercato claims that Real Madrid could look to terminate his loan deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The report adds that the midfielder has garnered significant interest from Serie A despite his struggles in the English capital, with Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan all in the hunt for his signature.
Ceballos has already made 22 appearances for Arteta's side in all competitions this term, but he has only started eight of Arsenal's 16 Premier League games so far.
Lionel Messi free to discuss Barcelona exit
© Reuters
Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi is free to begin talks with other clubs after entering the final six months of his deal at Camp Nou.
The Argentine remains a key player for the Blaugrana at the age of 33, but his future in Catalonia remains uncertain after trying but failing to force a move away in the summer.
Messi is still expected to leave as he runs down the final few months of his Barcelona deal, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain regarded as the favourites for his signature.
With the six-time Ballon d'Or winner set to become a free agent in July, he can now negotiate and sign a pre-contractual agreement with another club ahead of a possible summer move.
However, Messi is reportedly waiting until a new president assumes office in Barcelona before making any decisions on his future, with the election set to be held on January 24.
One of the frontrunners for the Barcelona presidency, Joan Laporta, has expressed optimism about the club's chances of keeping Messi on the books past the summer.
The attacker has already hit double figures for the campaign in all competitions and broke Pele's club goalscoring record with his 644th Barcelona goal in December.
More transfer news from La Liga:
Mino Raiola rejects Erling Braut Haaland to Barcelona reports
Barcelona have not already agreed a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland, insists his agent Mino Raiola. Read more.
Arsenal in six-way fight for Real Madrid's Isco?
Arsenal could face competition from five other clubs for Real Madrid attacker Isco, according to a report. Read more.
Real Madrid 'learn asking price for Christopher Nkunku'
RB Leipzig place a £27m valuation on Christopher Nkunku amid interest from Real Madrid, according to a report. Read more.
Real Madrid 'close to agreeing four-year David Alaba deal'
Real Madrid are allegedly close to agreeing a four-year contract with Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, who is likely to leave the European champions later in 2021. Read more.
