Arsenal named as leading suitors as journalist claims Gold of Naples ‘wants to leave’

Arsenal are seemimgly well placed to sign Fabian Ruiz when the transfer window opens after a trusted source claims the Spanish midfielder will almost certainly leave Napoli this summer.

The Gunners are enjoying a much-improved season under Mikel Arteta and look well placed to end their year-long European exile. Having finished eighth last season, Arsenal missed out on European competition – the first time in 26 years. However, the currently sit sixth, holding a three-match advantage over Manchester United, who are just two points better off.

And should they secure a return to the Champions League, the Gunners will be well placed to land a number of their top targets.

Indeed, a big summer is forthcoming at Arsenal. They are likely to be in the market for at least one new striker, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out the door. To that end, they remain on the trail of Alexander Isak.

However, Arteta is also looking to add more craft and guile to his midfield. As such, they are reportedly casting admiring glances towards Ruiz.

The classy Spain midfielder – dubbed the Gold of Naples – will have just 12 months left on his deal come the summer. Efforts to tie him down to an extension are seemingly being met with the cold treatment, meaning a move away now looks likely.

Napoli will, therefore, have little option but to listen to offers for one of their prized assets.

Player comes with big asking price

They rejected a £40m approach from Newcastle back in January. And the Magpies are again likely to be in the mix to sign him come the summer.

Arsenal target Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz is available for great deal

Fabian Ruiz is likely to leave Napoli this summer with Arsenal interested in Spain midfielder

However, Arsenal are seemingly positioning themselves at the front of the queue.

As such, Corriere dello Sport journalist Antonio Giordano claims the Gunners ‘really like’ the player and are leading candidates to sign him.

“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.

No chance of Fabian Ruiz renewal

“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, as cited by Tutto Napoli.

“He wants to leave, the club has a duty to sell and whoever wants to buy. Tthey have the right and the duty to believe in it and to come and make a serious offer.

“He will become the prized piece of the market if he scores another goal like that against Roma. That is part of the masterpieces, and one of the performances of the first four months of this season.”

Giorano continues: “[Pep] Guardiola [Manchester City manager], Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid, Newcastle and Arsenal like him.”

Napoli are likely to hold out for at least £40m for Ruiz. However, the wider belief in Italy is that his final fee could come closer to the £50m mark.

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