Arsenal face Fabian Ruiz transfer with Real Madrid and Barcelona as battle for Napoli midfielder heats up

ARSENAL will face a transfer battle from Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, according to reports.

The Gunners could be playing Champions League football next season with Mikel Arteta’s men in firm control of the race for fourth in the Premier League.

REX FEATURES

Ruiz has six Serie A goals from midfield this season[/caption]

And Arteta is looking to improve his squad again in the coming transfer window, especially in midfield.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal are interested in signing Ruiz, who could be picked up for a bargain £25million.

Ruiz is out of contract next summer and a renewal at Napoli is looking unlikely at this stage.

But the Premier League side could face competition from Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The player would prefer a move back to Spain, where he started his professional career with Real Betis.

But should a move back to his homeland fail to materialise, Ruiz would be willing to seal a move to England.

Newly mega-rich Newcastle are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old.

Arsenal could afford to DOUBLE Ruiz’s wages to help lure him to the Emirates.

CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK

Ruiz would slot right into Arsenal’s starting line-up alongside Thomas Partey.

The 15-cap Spain international is naturally left-footed, directly replacing Granit Xhaka in the two-man partnership.

Ruiz would also help replace Mohamed Elneny, who is out of contract at the end of this season.

The Gunners need to avoid another Dusan Vlahovic situation. Arteta can’t afford to be patient if he’s to land his top targets.