Fabian Ruiz has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the last two transfer windows. The Spaniard was one of a number of names on Arsenal's list of potential midfield signings this summer, but the links never really got past the rumour stage.
Arsenal instead had eyes for Youri Tielemans at Leicester and a deal for the Belgian could be concluded before transfer deadline day on Thursday. However, football.london understands the Gunners are willing to wait for Tielemans and sign him on a free when his contract at the King Power Stadium ends next year.
Ruiz was seen as a perfect alternative to Tielemans though and with his future at Napoli up in the air a move to the Emirates Stadium was mooted. A progressive ball-playing central playmaker who works backwards and forwards, he is more of a typical eight than Granit Xhaka. Good on the ball and capable of producing a shot from range, Ruiz has grown into one of the most respected midfielders on the continent.
