Arsenal handed Fabian Ruiz summer transfer boost

Arsenal are in a rich vein of Premier League form, losing just one of their previous nine matches, with the performances of Granit Xhaka during that spell key during that run.

The Swiss has taken on a new role in the side and reveled in it. Operating higher up the pitch on the left, he’s contributed to the Gunners’ greater grip of control on matches, resulting in more dominant performances and ball retention in the final third.

Yet as a football club one must always be eyeing the next step, to where improvements can be made. Midfield is one such position, including his, and names are being banded about in preparation towards what will be another busy summer.

Probably not on the scale of the previous one, mind you.

https://twitter.com/en_sscnapoli/status/1498312472700375045

Arsenal handed Fabian Ruiz summer transfer boost with Napoli midfielder set to reject new contract amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid

The upcoming window is all about securing high quality in key areas, and when opportunities arise to do so without breaking the bank they obviously become even more enticing.

One of those is Fabian Ruiz, who reports say could be available for as little as £16m. The reduced fee is the result of his contract expiring in 2023, with Napoli growing increasingly concerned that he may not extend his stay in Italy.

Tutto Mercato Web continue documenting Arsenal’s interest, alongside the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, while crucially noting that Ruiz has made his mind up and will not be signing a new deal. That is corroborated by Corriere dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano.

"“These are Fabian’s last two months at Napoli. In two months, an auction will be triggered around the Spaniard, it is inevitable. In April, he will be 26 years old. In a year, his [contract] will expire and there seems to be no possibility of renewal,” Giordano told Canal 8’s Ne Parliamo il Martedì, relayed by Tutto Napoli."

With a decision on his future with Napoli seemingly final – despite them currently sitting top of Serie A courtesy of a last minute winner from Ruiz against Lazio – it opens the door for the early level of discussions to take place. Arsenal had Youri Tielemans’ agent at London Colney over the winter, and the feelers can be put out for Ruiz, too.

There has been no concrete mention of the Gunners’ interest from UK sources, but purely from a profile perspective he is someone who would suit the current guise of this Arsenal team.

Ruiz is the left-footed option Mikel Arteta would seek with the expert ball progression that Xhaka provides, as well as an elite passing range that flourishes when he has pace of movement in front of him.

Capable of breaking lines with his excellent vision, either operating as a deep-lying midfielder or more advanced in the No. 10 position, his delightful touch, range of distribution, carrying ability and ball control have been the beating heart of Napoli this season – and seasons gone by.

A tally of nine goal contributions in 22 Serie A games has him on course to comfortably beat his previous best tally with the club, and at 25 years old, turning 26 in May, he is someone who is in and around his prime years.

There are always some qualms, in this case physicality and mobility question marks, but in a team of youthful exuberance there needs to be some balance, and with Arsenal needing two midfielders in the summer he’s certainly a fine option to fill one of those slots.