In Domenica Sportive Estate’s recent broadcast, Ciro Venerato, a journalist for RAI (relayed by Napoli Magazine), stated that Manchester United are keen on signing Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz in the upcoming transfer window as Erik Ten Hag looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.
“De Laurentiis would like to give away Fabian Ruiz, valued at €30m, and on him are Arsenal and Manchester United.” – he said.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, the owner of Napoli football club, is keen on getting rid of Ruiz this summer as the Spaniard recently rejected the offer of a new and improved contract extension. The Blues have reportedly chosen Hellas Verona’s Antonin Barak as his replacement.
Arsenal are also in the race for the 26-year-old midfielder’s signature; however, when asked about a potential move earlier this year, Ruiz seemed rather intent on returning to his home country Spain.
“It’s flattering to hear about clubs’ interest in me, that’s for sure,” said Ruiz.
“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.”
Fabian Ruiz’s 2021/22 Season In Numbers
Having come through the ranks at La Liga club Real Betis, Fabian Ruiz signed for SSC Napoli in the summer of 2018 for a fee in the region of 30 million euros. Over the course of the last five years, he has featured 166 times for Gli Azzurri, scoring twenty-two goals and bagging fifteen assists across all competitions.
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Even this season, the number 8 managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board – averaging 1.7 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, one clearance, one key pass, and 4.2 long balls per 90 minutes in the Italian top-flight. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.10, he was one of the best players on his side this term.
Versatility is one of his prime strengths as it allows him to fulfil several roles in the hour of need – be it the defensive midfield or the central midfield.
The Right Choice For Ten Hag?
It’s no surprise that Manchester United are in dire need of a holding midfielder – someone with an impressive work rate, an exceptional passing range, and capable of exerting aerial dominance – and Ruiz fits the bill perfectly.
His arrival would also provide competition for the duo of Fred and Scott McTominay in the middle of the park while opening the exit path for Paul Pogba.
Hence, given the price he’s available at, Erik Ten Hag should go all out for his signature in the summer transfer window.
(Stats from WhoScored)
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