Arsenal are battling it out with Manchester United to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz if recent reports are to be believed.
The Gunners endured a torrid end to their 2021/22 campaign, losing crucial back-to-back matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, handing the Lillywhites a place in next season's UEFA Champions League. However, there were still many positives for Mikel Arteta's young squad, and the Spaniard has admitted he wants to add some established talent to the Gunners' ranks.
"We want to make the squad stronger, we want to make the starting XI stronger, we want to make the specificity and the personality of our players stronger, and that's what we are going to be seeking to do," Arteta told Sky Sports earlier this month. One established player that has been linked with a move to north London in recent times is Spanish midfielder Ruiz.
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The 26-year-old is into the final 13 months of his contract with the Serie A giants. RAI journalist Ciro Venerato has now reported that Arsenal and Manchester United are battling it out for his signature this summer, with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly happy to let him leave for just £25million.
Speaking to La Domenica Sportive Estate, via Napoli Magazine, Venerato said: "De Laurentiis would like to give away Fabian Ruiz, valued at €30million (£25million). And, on him are Arsenal and Manchester United."
Ruiz would fit into Arteta's favoured 4-3-3 system perfectly, offering a rare blend of elite ball progression and intelligent reading of the game, similar to what injury-prone maestro Thomas Partey currently offers the Gunners. However, he has previously made it no secret of his desire to return to La Liga one day in the near future.
"It's flattering to hear about these clubs' interest in me, that's for sure," he said earlier this year when asked about reported interest Real Madrid and Barcelona. "Right now, I only think of Napoli, I am very comfortable here, and we have big challenges ahead.
"The idea of returning to Spain in the future is always present: it is my home."
