Transfer News: Manchester United show interest in Napoli star Fabian Ruiz
According to RAI journalist Ciro Venerato via La Domenica Sportive Estate, as quoted by Napoli Magazine (h/t Football.London), Manchester United have expressed their interest in securing the services of Napoli star Fabian Ruiz in the summer transfer window. He has been of the best in his position in Serie A last season, which seems to have attracted attention from Premier League teams including Arsenal.
Man United are desperate for some reinforcements with a massive exodus awaiting them in midfield this summer. Players like Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are in line to leave Old Trafford for free ahead of the next campaign. Replacing them would be difficult indeed, but the English club could have an opportunity to sign a world-class player in Ruiz.
The Red Devils could get the Spaniard for a meagre fee of £25million, which is quite a steal considering his immense quality. However, since his current contract will expire in 2023, Luciano Spalletti’s side does not have much leeway to make huge demands when it comes to the asking price for the midfielder’s signature.
Can Man Utd take advantage?
Replacing four midfielders at once in a single transfer window is a stern challenge indeed, especially when we are going through a delicate situation. More importantly, it would take a huge sum to bring in quality signings who can lift the squad’s quality and help us facilitate a rebuild under Erik ten Hag.
Hence, the management must search the market for opportunities that can be used to solve their issues without much expense. Ruiz is one such case, as his current valuation makes him an attractive prospect indeed, which could also be the reason why Arsenal are targeting him at this moment.
The 26-year-old has developed his game in Italy by becoming more astute on the defensive side of things. His ability to progress the ball and his knack for maintaining the tempo with smooth ball circulation has always been good, even during his days at Real Betis. That makes Ruiz a great prospect for us, considering how we have struggled to maintain control on several occasions the last term.
The Serie A superstar has enjoyed a great season with his club in the last campaign, having scored seven goals and five assists from 38 appearances across all competitions. His side was on course to mounting a stern challenge to win the Scudetto last term, but they fell off when the midfielder was out of contention with an injury.
Spalletti’s side could only muster one win when Ruiz was out with an injury for five league fixtures. That goes to show how crucial he has been to their team, and prising him away would greatly boost our midfield ahead of the next season. Whether we can convince him of a move to Old Trafford or not, though, remains to be seen.
More Manchester United News
- Manchester United expect new manager Erik ten Hag to aid Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in rediscovering best form
- Newcastle United are preparing a bid for Manchester United target and Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- Manchester United dealt transfer blow as Frenkie de Jong conveys his intent to stay at Barcelona
We recently did business with the Italian giants, when Axel Tuanzebe was allowed to join them on loan in January until this summer. Hopefully, the line of communication regarding transfer deals is still open between the two clubs.
