Real Madrid could offer a player-plus-cash deal to Napoli to sign Fabian Ruiz, with out-of-favour midfielder Dani Ceballos likely to be included in the package.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Real Madrid will offer Napoli a player-plus-cash deal to secure the services of Dani Ceballos in the summer transfer window. The Merengues are prepared to include out-of-favour Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos in the package to land the Napoli ace.
Fabian Ruiz has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A since joining Napoli from Real Betis in July 2018. In the last four and a half years, the 25-year-old has made 159 appearances for the Partenopei, chipping in with 20 goals and 14 assists in the process.
But Ruiz’s long-term Napoli future seems non-existent, as he will unlikely commit to a new contract before the summer transfer window slams shut. And with the Spanish international’s current deal set to run out in a little over a year, Napoli will have no choice but to cash in on him in the coming months. Such a situation has captured the attention of several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid will need to invest in a central midfielder in the summer transfer window, with the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona before the international break exposing their need to bolster the midfield unit. The Merengues need to lay down a succession plan for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who are approaching the final phases of their respective careers.
The more immediate concern for Real Madrid is to replace Isco and Dani Ceballos. The former is set to depart from the Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent, while the latter will embark on a new challenge and seek regular game-time after becoming a peripheral figure for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid could now kill two birds with one stone, as they are ready to include Ceballos in the deal to sign Fabian Ruiz. Interestingly, the out-of-favour Spanish midfielder has been linked with Napoli, although recent reports have claimed that he has agreed personal terms with Real Betis.
But Real Madrid could have an alternate plan up their sleeves, with Luka Jovic the other candidate to be a part of a player-plus-cash deal. It is unclear if Napoli will accept either player in the package to sell Ruiz. But for now, the Spanish international is poised to leave the Serie A club in the summer transfer window.
