Real Madrid and Manchester City are reportedly set to rekindle their interest in Napoli’s Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Transfer Market Web, reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid and current Premier League leaders Manchester City could go toe-to-toe in the summer window over the signing of Napoli’s midfield mainstay Fabian Ruiz.
The Spanish international has been with the Partenopei since the summer of 2018, having signed from Real Betis and has grown into an integral member of the team. Till date, Ruiz has gone on to make 115 appearances for Napoli, scoring 13 goals and setting up ten more.
Able to play as a No. 10 or in a slightly more withdrawn role in the middle of the park, the 24-year-old has been an ever-present in the side when fit and available. However, with Napoli taking a hit financially due to the pandemic, they may be forced to let go of some of their highest earners in the summer, with Ruiz being one among them.
This development has now reportedly put Real Madrid and Manchester City on high alert, with both clubs now looking to reignite their interest in the Spanish international.
For Real Madrid, a new central midfielder is a must in the summer as it is time for Zinedine Zidane & co. to put in place a long-term succession plan for the ageing Luka Modric. The Merengues have been keeping tabs on Ruiz for some time now and he could prove to be a viable replacement for the Croatian international at the Bernabeu.
Manchester City, meanwhile, lost club legend David Silva last summer and did not replace him. While Bernardo Silva has stepped up and shone in a central midfield role, Pep Guardiola has tended to shuffle him between midfield and the wide areas while largely using Phil Foden on the flanks as well.
So, bringing in another midfielder who can provide the creative essence from the middle to support the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan would be a smart move from the 2020/21 Premier League champions-elect. Ruiz, to that end, can be a worthy option for the Sky Blues to consider signing.
The nine-time capped Spanish international is contracted with Napoli till the summer of 2023 and is valued at around €50 million currently. While he has not been setting the stage alight with his performances this term, Ruiz possesses quality in abundance and it will be interesting to see if either Real Madrid or Manchester City make a move for him in the summer.
