Real Madrid believe they have beaten reported interest from Arsenal to sign Fabian Ruiz, but are still yet to reach an agreement with Napoli for the midfielder’s summer transfer.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report Los Blancos ‘are sure’ Ruiz will play at the Santiago Bernabeu next season. The Spaniard is a concrete goal for Carlo Ancelotti’s side ahead of the next window, with the Italian eager to reunite with his former Azzurri star.
Ancelotti has maintained his strong admiration for Ruiz since signing the 25-year-old for Napoli from Real Betis in 2018. He paid €30m (£25m) to acquire the Verdiblancos ace as one of his first purchases in Naples. Ruiz would go on to play 59 games under Ancelotti.
Ruiz is now considering a return to Spain as he will enter the final year of his contract with Napoli this June. He has imagined returning to his homeland for some time, so has refused to renew his deal. But Azzurri president Aurelio De Laurentiis is still reluctant to let him go.
De Laurentiis has little intention of letting Ruiz leave in a cut-price move, given his contract expires in 2023. The Spaniard has shone this season with six goals and four assists after 31 outings in all competitions. His efforts also have Napoli second in Serie A by three points.
Real Madrid want to overcome De Laurentiis’ reluctance by including counterparts in any deal for Ruiz. Ancelotti is prepared to give up those on his fringes like Luka Jovic and Dani Ceballos for a reunion. Neither have managed to establish a key role in his plans this term.
Real Madrid believe they’ve beaten Arsenal to Ruiz, but have no deal with Napoli
The lack of an agreement between Real Madrid and Napoli offers Arsenal hope of agreeing a transfer for Ruiz. Yet Los Blancos believe they have already won the race and that the 15-cap Spain star will start next season at the Santiago Bernabeu under his big fan, Ancelotti.
That will be a blow for Mikel Arteta, who the Mirror report is also a big admirer of Ruiz and feels he can take the Gunners engine room to another level. Arsenal have also spoken with the midfielder’s agent, with Napoli only asking for £16m before add-ons for Ruiz’s transfer.
Either Arsenal or Real Madrid stand a chance of convincing Ruiz to join if they can agree to terms with Napoli. While Calciomercato have previously claimed he dreams of joining Los Blancos or Barcelona, reports by Corriere dello Sport suggest he is open to joining Arsenal.
Arteta will hope that is the case to land the maestro former Blaugrana boss Quique Setien calls ‘spectacular’. As Napoli could ask for much more than £16m amid any bidding war.
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