Marseille in talks to sign Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos | OneFootball

Olympique Marseille are pressing ahead with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos.

The Ligue 1 side have opened talks with Madrid over a loan deal that would include an option to buy.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that discussions are ongoing, though negotiations remain difficult.

Real Madrid prefer a permanent sale and have placed a €15m valuation on the 29-year-old.

Marseille see Ceballos as a ‘dream target’ and hope to convince the Spanish giants to accept their loan proposal.

The midfielder has struggled for minutes under Xabi Alonso, despite being under contract until 2027.

His lack of game time has led to speculation about his future and interest from several European clubs.

Ceballos was also linked with a return to Real Betis earlier in the summer.

The Seville club, where he began his career, retain concrete interest but financial limitations have stalled progress.

Marseille are therefore in pole position and have also approached Ceballos’ camp over personal terms.

Journalist Santi Aouna has reported that the player is open to the move and is keen to join.

Ceballos himself added to speculation after Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Real Oviedo on Sunday.

He posted a picture on Instagram captioned ‘Last dance,’ which many took as a farewell message.

The midfielder came on only for the closing minutes of the match, replacing Kylian Mbappe.

Marseille’s pursuit comes as the club looks to strengthen its midfield under Roberto De Zerbi.

They are seeking reinforcements amid uncertainty around Adrien Rabiot’s future following a dressing-room incident.

Ceballos would provide creativity, experience and control in possession, qualities the French side want to add.

At Real Madrid, Alonso has depth in midfield but injuries to Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham limit options.

Other players such as Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Arda Guler are fit, while youngster Thiago Pitarch has impressed in pre-season.

The coach has even trialled Trent Alexander-Arnold in central roles since his arrival from Liverpool.

Despite this, Madrid must consider carefully whether they can afford to lose Ceballos before the window shuts.

For Marseille, the deal represents an ambitious late push to bring in a proven Spain international.

Talks are expected to continue in the coming days, with time running out to reach an agreement.