LONDON, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal coach Unai Emery has sung the praises of Real Madrid's Spanish international midfielder Dani Ceballos, who is thought to be close to sealing a season long loan move to the London-based club.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's pre-season game against Madrid in Washington DC, Emery was asked about the player who had an important role in Spain lifting this summer's Under-21 Championship trophy in Italy.

Ceballos is known to want to leave Madrid in order to play more first team football and he has a difficult relationship with Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

"Ceballos is a very good player. I know him from Betis at the beginning and Real Madrid," said Emery, who coached Betis' neighbors Sevilla between 2013 and 2016.

"He played very well in the U-21, his national team won the competition. He can play as a number eight or a number 10," added the coach, who has said that Arsenal will sign up to four players this summer as they look to compete for a place in the top-four in the Premier League.

However, Emery would not confirm Ceballos is one of the players Arsenal are looking at, even though both the British and Spanish press say the move will be completed in the near future.

"We have different names and the club is working on that," he commented.