Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz will reportedly be allowed to exit Napoli at the end of the season, given his intention to discontinue his contract amid interest from foreign clubs. The versatile 25-year-old central midfielder is of great interest to few top clubs and will see his contract expire in the summer of 2023, providing Napoli with one last opportunity to cash in on his services.
The left-footed ace has so far rejected any advances from club president Aurelio De Laurentiis to extend his contract as he seeks a new challenge outside Italy.
According to reports from Spanish media outlet AS, El Clasico rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in luring the center-half. Napoli’s valuation of €20m makes Ruiz an affordable target for all clubs interested in his services, including Premier League giants Arsenal.
Arsenal target £16m Fabian Ruiz transfer amid Barcelona and Real Madrid transfer links | @TomHopkinson https://t.co/7zqrySfxZg
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) February 19, 2022
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is said to be a fan of his playing style, as is new Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez. While Carlo Ancelotti’s stance is not known, it is known that Real Madrid are looking to sign a long-term replacement for aging midfield legends Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
It is understood that the Spanish midfielder is seeking a four-year deal at his next club. He will likely not fall short of suitors in the summer, given his reputation as one of Serie A’s best midfielders.
5 – Only Ruslan Malinovskyi ?? (six) has scored more goals from outside the box than Marco Asensio ?? this season across all competitions among all players in Europe's big five leagues (five, level with Fabián Ruiz ?? and Leroy Sané ??). Sniper. pic.twitter.com/pyO0XkQ5iU
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 19, 2022
Luciano Spalletti’s side are well in contention for their first Scudetto title in over thirty years and Ruiz’s presence is vital in the club’s ranks. He has 20 goals in 154 appearances for the Partenopei ever since his debut in 2018.