According to multiple reports, Arsenal and Newcastle have received a boost in their pursuit of Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
The Spaniard has rejected a new contract with the Italian club, alerting the two English clubs as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Newcastle offered just under €50 million (£41.9 million) for Ruiz in January, according to Corriere Dello Sport, but he is reportedly not interested in moving to St James’ Park. He now has 13 months left on his contract, and his worth is estimated to be between £20 and £25 million.
However, with their recent improvement in form, a move to the northeast may be more appealing than previously thought.
Arsenal is the favorite to sign the former Real Betis midfielder, and it is a position they are keen to strengthen. At the Emirates, Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, and Mohamed Elneny have all failed to deliver.
Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves have recently been linked with moves to Mikel Arteta’s side, but Ruiz may be a cheaper and more effective option overall.
Ruiz has played for Naples since his move from Andalusia in 2018, making 125 league appearances in four years. He was a member of Spain’s Under-21 team that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2019, earning him the ‘Golden Player award.
With just a year left, he could also walk away from Napoli on a free transfer at the end of next season – Luciano Spalletti probably wouldn’t be keen.
At just 26, he still has time to develop into a top midfielder at a club like Arsenal, becoming a key part of Arteta’s plans. This is less likely to happen at Real Madrid or Barcelona.
