The summer transfer window will be vital for Arsenal as they look to finally end their six-year UEFA Champions League hiatus next season.
Technical director Edu is keen to bring in a central midfielder, at least one forward and a backup fullback, football.london understands. The north London club are interested in Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans whilst Napoli maestro Fabian Ruiz is another name that has been mooted as a potential target.
The Spanish international is into the final 13 months of his contract with the Serie A giants and the club's president Aurelio de Laurentiis has claimed that he recent had a meeting with the player's agent regarding his future with the Italian side. “I’ve had a meeting with Fabian Ruiz’s agents to discuss his future - they asked for 15 days to decide," de Laurentiis said.
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“We’re also waiting for David Ospina answer as he’s out of contract. We don’t want to kick them out but we can’t do crazy bids”.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign, netting seven goals and providing a further four assists in Serie A whilst also averaging 5.35 progressive passes per 90 minutes, as per fbref. The Mirror previously reported that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Ruiz, who could be an upgrade on Granit Xhaka in the young coach's favoured 4-3-3 system.
However, La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are also both reportedly interested in signing the talented midfielder, who has made it no secret of his desire to one day return to the Spanish top flight. "It’s flattering to hear about these clubs' interest in me, that's for sure," he said earlier this year when asked about reported interest from the Blaugrana and Madrid.
"Right now, I only think of Napoli, I am very comfortable here and we have big challenges ahead. The idea of returning to Spain in the future is always present: it is my home."
