Napoli have opened fresh talks with Fabian Ruiz over a new contract and will now meet his agent, against interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the midfielder.
That’s according to Il Mattino, who note the Azzurri phoned the Spaniard’s representative on Monday to schedule a face-to-face meeting. It is likely to occur within the coming days to establish the foundations to work from, with Fabian now in the final year of his current deal.
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Fabian agreeing to let his agent meet Napoli represents a big step towards the 26-year-old possibly reconsidering leaving the Serie A side. Tensions between the two camps had been high as Azzurri sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli indicated he would rule with an iron fist.
Giuntoli would work resolutely to move Fabian on this summer if Napoli and Fabian do not agree a new contract. But his position annoyed Fabian, who would like to return to La Liga after four years away. However, he currently does not have offers on the table from Spain.
The only club to formalise their interest in signing the 15-cap international so far has been Manchester United. Yet the Azzurri considered the Red Devils’ bid insufficient, despite his existing contract ending next June at which point the former Real Betis star is a free agent.
Arsenal, Real Madrid among rival clubs interested in Fabian Ruiz of Napoli
Real Madrid are monitoring Fabian’s situation with Napoli, as they would be interested in signing him as a free agent. Fabrizio Romano reports Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti is a big fan of the Seville native, whom the Italian had signed in 2018 while in charge of Napoli.
The Galacticos’ pursuit will hinge on what unfolds at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer. And Arsenal could beat Ancelotti to the punch, as Corriere Dello Sport cited the Gunners as leading the race in June for a €30m (£25m) deal with Napoli to sign Fabian.
Napoli should put Fabian’s interest in a summer switch to Arsenal or Manchester United to the test with their offer of a new contract. The Serie A side intend to start negotiating with a five-year proposal, with terms that could also include a reasonably cheap release clause.
Il Mattino suggest the Azzurri could include a €30m (£25m) termination fee as a gesture of serenity. It is the same amount that the Naples outfit paid Real Betis under Ancelotti back in 2018, too, after the Italian tactician triggered a €30m (£25m) release clause in his contract.
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