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.
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But it looks like Ruiz is going to make the move to Ligue Un instead. Reports in Italy suggest Paris Saint-Germain are going to tie up a €25million (£21.3million) deal to sign him ahead of deadline day.
And the move to PSG is a prediction that has come true for Italian journalist Raffaele Auriemma. He predicted that Ruiz would not end up at Arsenal - or Newcastle who were also linked with a move - and instead go to PSG or Real Madrid.
Speaking to Area Napoli via Sport Witness, Auriemma said: "I believe that Fabián Ruiz will leave Napoli at the end of the season. There’s been a proposal from Arsenal, but I understand that the player doesn’t want to join the Gunners. The midfielder is waiting for other offers, be they from Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid."
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