Paper Talk: Classy Liverpool target prepared to run contract down as ‘huge problem’ emerges
Liverpool target Fabian Ruiz is ready to run his contract down ahead of a free agent move, while a striker linked with Arsenal has been named in a six-man shake-up – all in Tuesday’s Paper Talk.
FABIAN RUIZ READY TO DEFY NAPOLI
Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz wants to join Real Madrid as a free agent, though his club would seemingly prefer to make a deal with Liverpool or PSG, per a report.
The Spaniard, 26, will see his current contract in Naples expire in 2023. Fabian has developed into a cultured and composed central midfielder since moving to Italy from Real Betis in 2018.
As such, it’s come as no surprise to see a whole host of English sides linked with Fabian as his contract runs down.
Indeed, Newcastle and Arsenal have regularly been named alongside Fabian. The Magpies were believed to have seen a January bid for the midfielder knocked back.
However, according to Football Italia, Liverpool are in the mix along with PSG. Yet if the player has his way, he’ll be heading to the Bernabeu.
Citing Spanish outlet Diario Sport, it’s claimed Fabian is ‘prepared to run down his contract’ so he can join Real Madrid for free in 2023.
Real’s current manager is Carlo Ancelotti – the very man who brought him to Napoli in 2018.
Ancelotti keen on Fabian Ruiz reunion
Ancelotti reportedly wants the reunion, though a free agent exit is not what Napoli have in mind.
Fabian is labelled a potential ‘cash cow’ for the Italian side who could generate a significant sum if he’s sold this summer.
That’s where Liverpool and PSG seemingly come in with their best hopes of landing Fabian laying with a summer move by getting in ahead of Real 12 months later.
It’s claimed it’s becoming increasingly apparent Fabian won’t pen fresh terms at Napoli. That stems from Napoli’s desire to slash their wage bill and it’s unlikely Fabian will extend on lesser terms.
As such, Napoli could sanction a summer exit to avoid the ‘huge problem’ of losing such a saleable asset for nothing in 2023.
Should Liverpool act on their interest, a figure of around £40m may be required to seal a deal. That was the sum Newcastle reportedly saw rejected in the last window, though Napoli now look more open to a sale.
ARSENAL STRIKER OPTION ON THE MOVE
Arsenal could bolster their firepower by signing Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic after the forward was named in a list of six stars Los Blancos could axe this summer.
The Gunners are certain to be hunting for reinforcements in the final third at season’s end.
Dusan Vlahovic was the man most fervently pursued in January when it became apparent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could leave for Barcelona. Aubameyang did depart, but Vlahovic joined Juventus.
That left Mikel Arteta with just Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah to round out the season as recognised centre-forwards. However, that pair are both poised to become free agents on June 30.
Arsenal could therefore be in desperate need of at least two new strikers and Luka Jovic has drawn regular links with the Gunners. And according to the Mirror, the Serbian, 24, could be on the move.
Jovic remains in limbo at the Bernabeu after struggling to adapt since leaving Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019.
He has just three goals to his name since making the move, indicating a fresh start elsewhere may be best for all involved.
Citing Spanish outlet Marca, Jovic is named on a six-strong list of stars Real could move on at season’s end.
The report claims interest in Jovic is widespread and as such, Real will hold out for a ‘significant fee’. He cost approximately £50m in 2019 to give some indication of what they would command three years later.
Also named on the list of potential summer casualties are Gareth Bale (free agent), Dani Ceballos, Jesus Vallejo, Mariano Diaz and Alvaro Odriozola.
KALVIN PHILLIPS DECIDES FUTURE
Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips is a man in demand, though wishes to extend his stay at Elland Road – once a piece of housekeeping has been completed.
The midfielder is attracting strong interest from Steven Gerrard’s ambitious Aston Villa. According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle and West Ham are also in the frame for his signature if a surprise summer sale is sanctioned.
However, per their report, the 26-year-old has told Leeds he intends to sign a new contract with the Whites.
Yet his signature will not be penned until the summer at the earliest. That is when Phillips’ agreement with his current agent expires and it’s claimed a new Leeds contract won’t be signed until a new agent is in place.
Whether Leeds beat the drop could yet have a bearing on a potential Phillips U-turn. However, two wins and a draw from Jesse Marsch’s first five matches in charge has pushed them eight points clear of the relegation zone.