Arsenal have potentially been handed considerable encouragement over a deal for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz with talks over a new deal with the Serie A side having reportedly stalled.
The Spanish midfielder sees his current deal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona expire in the summer of 2023, with Napoli understandably keen to keep him in Serie A.
However, that might prove to be more difficult than first thought. According to Calciomercato, the Italian outfit have stumbled into a number of problems as they attempt to extend his stay and there is currently no certainty that an agreement will be found over a new deal.
In fact, it is suggested that talks have ‘frozen’ with it now looking unlikely that a new contract will be signed any time soon.
That has potentially opened the door to a move away from Naples, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United all reported to have an interest in Ruiz - albeit the midfielder himself is apparently eyeing a return to Spain.
With just a year-and-a-half remaining on his current deal, the 25-year-old could potentially emerge as an ideal addition for Mikel Arteta.
Since signing for Napoli from Real Betis in 2018, he has gone on to make 152 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals.
The Gunners’ midfield could potentially do with some investment sooner rather than later.
Granit Xhaka continues to be linked with a move to Napoli’s Serie A rivals AS Roma and football.london has since learned that the Swiss could be open to switch to the Stadio Olimpico if a deal can be agreed.
Should he end his stay in north London, that would leave the Gunners low on midfield options, with just the likes of Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga - with Mohamed Elneny also expected to leave this summer at the end of his contract.
Ruiz then would then bolster those dwindled options, especially if Arsenal can secure his signing for less than the £49.5million valuation he currently holds, according to transfermarkt.
