Real Madrid have rejected the advances of Arsenal and Leeds United for academy star Cesar Gelabert, who is also unwilling to leave Santiago Bernabeu.
According to AG Deportes, as translated by talkSPORT, Arsenal and Leeds United have both been dealt with a massive blow in their pursuit of Cesar Gelabert. Both of these Premier League clubs were interested in the services of the Real Madrid attacking midfielder, who has emerged as a promising academy prospect.
However, Los Blancos have pulled the plug on any potential move away from Santiago Bernabeu in the final day of the summer transfer window. The player himself is also unwilling to move elsewhere in search of regular game-time and is confident that he will get his chances at Real Madrid soon.
It is an extremely optimistic stance given the strength Zinedine Zidane has in the creative department this season, with players like Luka Modric, Isco and Marco Asensio vying for a place in the first-team.
Real Madrid offloaded a host of unwanted stars like James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Brahim Diaz this summer. It also remains unlikely that they would sign any new players this summer, although there have been rumours suggesting a potential move for Houssem Aouar.
At the same time, however, it seems unlikely that Zidane would want to go as deep as Gelabert when it comes to giving first-team chances, especially if we consider the return of Martin Odegaard.
The Norwegian international, who enjoyed a stellar spell on loan at Real Sociedad last season, is yet to announce himself as a first-team regular at Real Madrid. But, he has been involved in three games so far and is more than capable of making himself a key component in that number ten role.
As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta could be disappointed after missing out on Gelabert as the Gunners do lack quality in the creative unit, especially with Mesut Ozil falling out of favour at Emirates.
Even Leeds United could have used someone like Gelabert, who could have provided cover for their ageing star Pablo Hernandez in the number ten role. In the meantime, however, the Whites have been linked with a move for Arsenal defender William Saliba as we head towards the deadline day.
