7 Arsenal midfield transfer targets to watch during international break

Fabian Ruiz – Napoli & Spain

It’s worth mentioning first of all that Fabian Ruiz has not had the best of seasons for Napoli this term.

Alongside Chelsea reject Tiemoué Bakayoko – fortunately not Arsenal target this time – the pair have been unable to forge a balanced partnership in the heart of the Napoli midfield. Bakayoko’s lack of mobility has severely hampered the Spaniard, who without pace in front or to the side was asked to perform too many roles.

Gennaro Gattuso has amended this with more speed in wide areas and Diego Demme taking up the other pivot spot alongisde Ruiz, which has seen the 24-year-old look back to his best once more.

And, when he is on-song, he’s electric. Someone who can break lines with his vision, either from a more advanced No. 10 slot or more retracted as he’s been for Napoli this season as a box-to-box operator, his vision and elegant touch can be a joy to behold.

As mentioned, he thrives on pace around him, where he can utilise his fine passing range either in close quarters triangles or to seek runners going beyond.

Of course, the issue is fee as it would cost potentially in the region of €50m. That price could drop if there isn’t much interest (there will be) coupled with Napoli feeling the financial pinch of the coronavirus pandemic. There is a contract situation to exploit there.