Arsenal, Newcastle, Man City and Man Utd want Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz | Soccer

Manchester City and Manchester United are also said to be interested in taking on the Spain international, who has only one year left on his contract.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are keen not to lose Ruiz next summer and have handed the 26-year-old a £26million price tag, around the same amount they paid when they landed the Real Betis player in 2018 have contracted.

Ruiz is highly rated, having scored seven goals and provided four assists in 32 Serie A games last season, which is impressive for a player who mainly plays in a deep, defensive role.

Newcastle tried to sign him last January but Napoli turned down his £42million offer and Eddie Howe turned his attention to Bruno Guimaraes instead, but the Magpies have retained their interest in the player.

Arsenal are keen to add another midfielder to their ranks and while Youri Tielemans was their No 1 target, with the Leicester man also out of contract next summer Ruiz could be an alternative option, although the forthcoming one Arrival of Fabio Vieira could pique their interest in both players to cool off.

Pep Guardiola is aiming to sign two new players for City following the arrival of strikers Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland and while a new left-back is a priority, Citizens are also looking for a new defensive midfielder following the departure of club captain Fernandinho. with Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips at the top of the shortlist

Phillips has also been linked with United but Ruiz would prove a far cheaper alternative for the England international, as would Frenkie de Jong, who is Erik ten Hag’s No1 transfer target but could cost more than £70m if Barcelona tough plays with the Red Devils.

MORE: Chelsea join race to sign Richarlison ahead of Arsenal and Tottenham

MORE: Louis Saha tells Manchester United not to spend £100m on disruptive players.

For more stories like this, visit our sports page.