Fabian Ruiz is reportedly eager to join Barcelona or Real Madrid in the summer transfer window amid interest from Arsenal.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Fabian Ruiz wishes to join Barcelona or Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. The Spanish international is likely to leave Napoli ahead of the 2022/23 season and is a key target for Arsenal and Manchester United.
Fabian Ruiz has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A since joining Napoli from Real Betis in July 2018. The Spanish international has gone from strength to strength in the last three and a half years, becoming a mainstay in midfield for club and country.
To date, the 25-year-old has made 152 appearances for Napoli, chipping in with 20 goals and 14 assists in the process. But after rejecting the latest contract renewal proposal by the Partenopei, Ruiz looks set to leave the club in the summer transfer window. Such a situation has alerted several European bigwigs, including Arsenal.
The interest from Arsenal is understandable, considering Granit Xhaka has emerged as a target for AS Roma again heading into the summer transfer window. And with ball-progression from the double-pivot being a vital weakness in Arsenal’s gameplay, signing a player like Ruiz could be a step in the right direction.
But Arsenal will have an uphill task in convincing Ruiz to move to the Emirates, as he is keen on joining Barcelona or Real Madrid. The two La Liga heavyweights have been previously linked with the Spaniard and could do with a player of his quality.
At Real Madrid, Ruiz could be a long-term successor for Luka Modric, who is approaching the end of his glittering career. On the other hand, the 25-year-old could form a dynamic midfield partnership with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri at Barcelona once Sergio Busquets starts getting phased out of the first-team picture.
Apart from Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with Ruiz. But with the Spanish international eager to join Barcelona or Real Madrid, a move to Premier League might not be on the horizon. As for Napoli, the Serie A giants must cash in on Ruiz in the summer transfer window as he will enter the final twelve months of his contract.
