Napoli star Fabian Ruiz has reportedly sent encouraging signs towards Arsenal ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Per Corriere dello Sport (via Daily Mirror), the Spaniard is keen to return to his homeland, with the Emirates the only alternative that would make him change his mind.
Ruiz has been one of the headline Serie A performers over the past couple of years. Since swapping Betis for Napoli in 2018, the 25-year-old has developed into a household deep-lying midfielder, attracting interest from a host of top European clubs.
While Barcelona and Real Madrid are both keen to lure Ruiz back to his native country, Arsenal are lurking in the shadows as they hope to reinforce their midfield department in the summer. Mikel Arteta’s top priority heading into the summer transfer window is landing a striker following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s winter move to Barcelona.
However, the Gunners boss is also on the lookout for a new deep-lying midfielder after Thomas Partey’s topsy-turvy season in north London. Arsenal are warm candidates to secure their first Premier League top-four finish since 2015/16. If they secure Champions League football after a five-year hiatus, it will lift the club’s ambitions in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal have already sounded out Napoli about Ruiz’s availability. The playmaker’s contract in southern Italy runs out in summer 2023. Since he has yet to commit to a new deal, the Partenopei could consider selling him at the end of the season to avoid the risk of letting him leave on a free transfer in less than two years.
Arsenal remain confident about getting the deal for Ruiz over the line despite seeing their previous bid of £42m turned down by Napoli. Luciano Spalletti’s men still harbour some hopes of tying their talismanic midfielder down to a new contract. But time is ticking for the Serie A powerhouse, increasing the Gunners’ chances of taking the ex-Betis man away from Italy.