Arsenal, Newcastle on red alert as Napoli playmaker Fabian Ruiz rejects new contract in Italy

Arsenal and Newcastle have been given a major boost in their hopes of signing Fabian Ruiz, amid claims he has rejected a new contract offer from Napoli.

Ruiz has emerged into one of Serie A’s classiest operators in recent seasons. During the recently concluded campaign, he helped Napoli finish third in the league by making 32 appearances.

Seven goals and four assists came his way in that time. The central midfielder also featured five times in the Europa League before Napoli’s exit at the hands of Barcelona.

Ruiz’s top performances in Italy, as well as his growing European experience, make him an attractive signing for the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle.

Both clubs have aspirations of getting into the top four and qualifying for the Champions League. Capturing Ruiz would help them massively in this regard.

The Spaniard’s Napoli contract runs out next summer, giving Arsenal and Newcastle hope that a deal can be struck.

According to reports earlier this month, Napoli responded to the transfer interest by offering Ruiz new terms.

They were willing to hand him a five-year deal worth £57,000 per week, plus bonuses.

This would fit into their wage structure and ‘safeguard’ the Italian club from any transfer proposals.

Fabian Ruiz rejects new Napoli deal

Get Italian Football News provide an update on the contract discussions, while citing reports in Italy. They claim Ruiz has pushed the offer back, putting his future in doubt.

The 26-year-old, along with team-mate Kalidou Koulibaly, ‘isn’t optimistic’ about a renewal going through.

Presumably Ruiz knows he can get a better financial package if he moves elsewhere. Arsenal and Newcastle can both offer him weekly wages closer to £80k, or even £100k.

The contract rejection should force Arsenal and Newcastle to act on their interest. Either English club may open negotiations with Napoli in the next few months.

However, a transfer rival may come in the form of Champions League winners Real Madrid. Los Blancos have been keeping tabs on Ruiz for a long time and could now move in for him.

They can offer even more money than Arsenal and potentially match Newcastle, setting up an intriguing transfer pursuit.

The Bernabeu is Ruiz’s most likely destination. After all, Real need to revamp their midfield with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric 32 and 36 respectively.

Plus, a move to Madrid would give Ruiz the chance to return to his homeland. He hasn’t played in La Liga since leaving Real Betis four years ago.

Arsenal and Newcastle will continue to monitor the situation ahead of potential bids. But they will face a tough operation to usurp Real in this case.

One midfield alternative for Arsenal is long-term target Houssem Aouar. And according to a new report, he is up for sale this summer.