Arsenal are reportedly lining up a swoop for Napoli playmaker Fabian Ruiz this summer.
The Spanish international, 25, is currently enjoying his fourth season with Napoli having signed from Real Betis back in 2018. His performances under manager Luciano Spalletti has been impressive this season, with the midfielder registering six goals and three assists in 22 league games so far. However, he has made the decision to change scenery in the summer and doesn’t want to renew his contract with Napoli.
According to the Daily Mirror, Fabian Ruiz has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal, just days after former Gunners midfielder Matteo Guendouzi asserted his permanent transfer to Ligue 1 club Marseille is the “best choice” he’s made in years.
Ruiz, who represented Spain at the European Championships 2020 last summer, is rated as one of the best midfielders in Serie A. The central midfielder has made over 150 appearances for the Partenopeo team, chipping in with 21 goals and 14 assists in the process.
However, the Spaniard has little over 12 months remaining on his current contract and is available for a paltry £16million this summer, the report adds.
Fabian Ruiz to Arsenal—A smart move?
Arsenal could be in for another spending spree in the summer after taking giant steps under Mikel Arteta. After a horrendous start to the season, the Gunners are in pole position to clinch a top four berth ahead of the likes of Manchester United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spanish tactician will look to add more quality and depth to his squad in the off season to try and reduce the gap between his club and the top three.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having left the club in January, and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah coming to the end of their contracts in June, bolstering the attack is at the top of Arsenal’s agenda in the transfer market. In addition to a centre-forward, the north Londoners could do with a central midfielder, with just Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga currently on their payroll.
Thus, Arsenal’s interest in Fabian Ruiz makes sense. A versatile player, Ruiz can play as either a no.10, box-to-box midfielder or deep-lying playmaker. But he’s at his rollicking best when operating in an advanced midfield role as it allows him to get into pockets of spaces behind the opposition and link-up play.
The Spanish international can strike the ball sweetly with his left foot and has got the vision to cut open the opposition rearguard with a killer pass up top. He isn’t afraid to dive into challenges and put intense pressure on the opposing ball carriers, making the ex-Elche man a well-rounded midfield asset.
Fabian Ruiz would add guile and creativity to Arsenal’s midfield, whilst competing with Martin Odegaard for a spot in the starting XI. The Napoli star would undoubtedly improve Arteta’s squad, and as he is reportedly available for just £16million in the summer, the Gunners must be all over his signature.