Arsenal Transfers: 5 central midfielders the Gunners should target this summer

3. Fabian Ruiz

Fabian Ruiz has been perpetually linked with a move away from Napoli, but nothing has ever come to pass with the stubborn Aurelio De Laurentiis digging his heels in.

However, the Spaniard’s deal in Naples expires in 2023 and there’s talk of the Neapolitans parting ways with the elegant midfielder this summer. A mere €30m could convince the Italian club to sell.

Fabian is blessed with a left foot that even Marcos Alonso envies, such is the delicacy with which he uses his stronger foot. Last season, no player in Serie A scored more goals from outside the area than the Napoli man (six).

The Spaniard is metronomic, no player attempted (83) or completed (74.4) more passes per 90 minutes in Serie A than Fabian last season, progressive and there are some stylistic similarities to Xhaka. Fabian, though, is considerably more comfortable operating in the final third than the Swiss international. In 2021/22, the Spanish international notched 11 league goal contributions.

Whether he’s cut out for the rigours of the Premier League is up for debate, and much of his good work in a Napoli shirt came playing off the right in a midfield three. Still, Fabian is comfortable operating in the opposite half-space and this flexibility might intrigue Arteta.

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