Man City will deny Pep Guardiola his chance to sign Fabian Ruiz this summer as the club’s owners refuse to do business with Napoli, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Etihad Stadium hierarchy are opposed to any transfers with the Serie A outfit after missing out on Jorginho. Napoli had assured Man City that the Italian would be joining them in 2018. Only for Chelsea to strike a £50m deal after hiring his former boss Maurizio Sarri.
Man City will now deny Guardiola his chance to bring Ruiz to the Premier League as Napoli set their demands. The Spaniard has his choice of suitors, but he will only leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium if Gli Azzurri receive at least €60m (£51.5m).
Napoli are working to raise €100m (£86m) in the summer transfer window to balance the books in Naples. The Serie A side must also lower their bloated wage bill and reduce the number of players at the club.
Failing to qualify for the Chapions League last season made Napoli’s situation increasingly challenging without the funds the competition provides. But hope to avoid a total reset by selling one of Ruiz, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hirving Lozano or Piotr Zielinski.
Guardiola would like to seize on Napoli’s situation to sign Ruiz as the Man City boss admires what he offers. But the Citizens would face competition from Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Carlo Ancelotti, in particular, is driving Los Blancos’ bid.
Man City could rue Napoli stance as Guardiola eyes Ruiz
Man City’s owners are clear in their position that they will not do business with Napoli after the Jorginho situation. But they could rue that stance as Guardiola eyes Ruiz, as the Spanish maestro could be ideal at the Etihad.
Barcelona showed an interest in Ruiz last year as he possesses the DNA of the Catalan club, according to Goal. A club that formed Guardiola and his style of play, and why the Napoli gem would suit his system.
Ruiz impresses across the engine room with his top-draw technique and tactical awareness. He also idolises one of the anchors of Guardiola’s great Barcelona sides, Xavi. The 25-year-old said, via Goal, in 2019: “I fell in love with football thanks to him. He was a pillar for Barcelona and Spain for so many years and I dream of following in his footsteps.”
Ruiz’s quick feet and dribbling skills will not be coming to Man City, though, even if Guardiola wants them to.
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