Fabian Ruiz could follow in the footsteps of Kalidou Koulibaly this summer and cut ties with Napoli after renewal talks fell apart. According to Calciomercato, the Spaniard’s wage requests have stunned Aurelio De Laurentiis, causing a breakdown in negotiations.
Ruiz has flourished at Napoli since arriving from Real Betis in 2018. His passing ability, composure on the ball and playmaking skills have been off the charts in southern Italy. He has accumulated 166 appearances for the Partenopei, racking up 22 goals and 15 assists.
As an old-fashioned creative deep-lying playmaker, the 26-year-old has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, Ruiz’s contract runs out next summer and Napoli have been unable to tie him down to a new deal.
There is no doubt that De Laurentiis wants to extend the midfielder’s stay in Naples. But the player’s staggering wage demands have reportedly blown Napoli out of the water. And with less than a year remaining on Ruiz’s deal, he could be on his way out of the club in the coming months.
Several elite European clubs, including Arsenal and Real Madrid, are ready to offer the Spain international an escape route from Napoli. Furthermore, Manchester United and Newcastle United are lurking in the shadows, hoping to bolster their midfield ranks.
Based on Ruiz’s performances in Serie A, it’s unsurprising that many teams are eager to secure his services. Given today’s market prices, the Spaniard’s £25.8m price tag could be considered a bargain.
Napoli cannot afford to exaggerate the valuation of their standout midfielder due to his contractual situation. Plus they are running out of time to cash in on Ruiz, who seems hell-bent on following Koulibaly through the exit gates.
The Senegalese defender left Italy to team up with Chelsea on a four-year contract on Friday. Yet, Napoli have no time to waste moaning about the 31-year-old’s departure, with new issues emerging on the horizon.