Fabian Ruiz has been a subject of interest for the Premier League clubs this summer with Newcastle United and Arsenal leading the race to sign the midfielder.
According to Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport, clubs of the English top-flight are keen to make a swoop for the Serie A midfielder in the transfer window. The report claims that Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Arsenal are in the fray for a potential transfer.
However, the Magpies and the Gunners are leading the race for the Napoli midfielder. Fabian Ruiz’s future appears to be up for grabs as the Premier League clubs are circling to plot a transfer this summer.
Fabian Ruiz in Numbers
The Napoli ace amassed seven goals and provided five assists in 38 appearances for the club across all competitions this season.
The midfielder can adapt to playing in the defensive role and the attacking role while his preferred position remains the central role. The 26-year-old garnered impressive performances at the heart of the midfield.
In every 90 minutes in the Italian League, Ruiz averaged 1.0 key passes, 0.7 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, and 1.0 clearances on the pitch. Capable of making crucial interceptions, the midfielder does not shy away from making potentially dangerous tackles.
90.5% of his attempted passes came from interchanging possession with his teammates from midfield. The Serie A ace enjoys playing long ball passes and long shots from a far-off range.
Which club would he fit well in?
The 26-year-old would undoubtedly boost the midfield of any club he joins. However, not all the clubs interested in him would fit him well in the squad.
Ruiz could be a good fit at Newcastle United because of the certain qualities he possesses and the need for him in the midfield. Magpies’ gaffer Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his midfield with a profile that can adapt to playing the central and the attacking role.
He has great vision to create chances in the final third, an element missing in the Newcastle setup last season. Moreover, the Magpies did not attempt too many long-range shots while the Napoli midfielder enjoys playing the long shots.
The Spaniard also does not shy away from clearing his lines in the back when the opposition is attacking. His ability to sense the attacking threat created by the opposition and make interceptions at crunch moments is something Howe’s side will look forward to.
With some of his best years still ahead of him, joining Newcastle next season could be a sensible move as he would have some time to improve under Howe. At 26, the Tyneside giants will look to secure his services considering his vast experience in different competitions.
Moreover, at United, manager Erik ten Hag has other names on his mind with Frenkie de Jong as his favorite this summer to sign. Donny van de Beek’s return to the Old Trafford appears to be on the horizon. And with Bruno Fernandes taking up the attacking midfield role more often, Ruiz’s inclusion could see him play second fiddle to Fernandes.
With Arsenal, they are interested in a wide range of midfielders following the acquisition of Fabio Vieira, and for Ruiz to get into Mikel’s Arsenal there will have to be some significant departure in the middle of the park – especially if Youri Tielemans is on his way to the Emirates.
However, it remains to be seen what transpires in the transfer window as Newcastle are the frontrunners.
