Arsenal and Newcastle 'lead chase' for cut-price Fabian Ruiz transfer

The Gunners have made a positive start to their summer transfer business this year but the Magpies are now looking to pip them to the signing of the Napoli midfielder

Newcastle United are simultaneously working on a number of deals as they look to bring in at least five fresh faces this summer, with the latest reports also suggesting that they are ‘leading the chase’ for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

The Magpies have already secured a permanent move for Matt Targett from Aston Villa following his impressive loan spell last season, but Eddie Howe is determined to follow that up with a few more signings as he continues his rebuild on Tyneside.

And he may be edging closer to achieving that, with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, via the Daily Mail, revealing that the Magpies are now the most interested party in signing Ruiz, although they face stiff competition from Arsenal.

The Magpies arguably have the upper hand in the transfer race after already registering their interest in the 26-year-old at the start of the year, having had a £42 million bid rejected just six months ago as they set about securing a marquee signing to aid their relegation battle.

But they are now looking to have a second bite of the cherry after being given the chance to sign Ruiz on a cut-price deal, with Napoli reportedly placing a £25.8m price tag on the Spanish international, whom they signed for £27m in 2018 from La Liga outfit Real Betis.

However, with Ruiz set to enter the final year of his contract in July, and no proposals having been made to renew his existing deal, Napoli are eager not to lose him on a free transfer next summer. As a result, a number of clubs have been given the green light to make their move, although the Magpies, alongside Arsenal, are said to be leading the race.

Who will win the race to sign Fabian Ruiz this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

The 26-year-old has scored 22 goals in 166 appearances in all competitions over four years for the Italian club, including seven goals and four assists in 32 Serie A games last season as Napoli finished 3rd, despite being involved in the title race for most of the campaign.

But now he looks set to depart Naples ahead of next season, and the Magpies have already ‘made their move’ as they look to make it second time lucky by securing the signature of the Spaniard, as they look to bolster their midfield options this summer.

Financial obstacles will not be hard to overcome for the St. James’ Park outfit after becoming the richest club in the world last year, but one thing that sets them back in comparison to the Gunners, as well as the two interested Manchester clubs in City and United, is the promise of European football.

However, with Arsenal having already signed another midfielder in Fabio Vieira from Porto for £34.2m, forking out another similar fee and even more wages could delay them in their pursuit, especially as they try to complete a £50m transfer for Manchester City ’s Gabriel Jesus.

Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta’s side could appear as a more attractive option for the Spaniard, but significant game time may not be as guaranteed as it would be at Newcastle, with Ruiz a certain upgrade on the current midfield three of Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton, with the exception of Bruno Guimaraes.

The Spaniard will also have one eye on keeping his place in Spain’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later on this year, so opting for the Magpies could be a more sensible option for him as he looks to showcase his talents on the big stage next season.