Arsenal are reportedly planning a surprise move for Spain's Euro 2024 star Fabian Ruiz.
The midfielder, currently at Paris Saint-Germain, played a pivotal role in La Roja's successful Euros campaign, catching the attention of several other top clubs, including the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta is keen on strengthening his midfield options for the upcoming Premier League season. Ruiz, 28, who is under contract with PSG until 2027, is not a regular starter in Paris and may be open to a new challenge.
Arsenal are considering a loan deal for Ruiz with an obligation to buy at the end of the season, according to the Transfers Podcast and cited by the Daily Express. PSG are reportedly willing to sell Ruiz for around £35 million ($45 million).
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Could Arsenal really pull of ambitious Fabian Ruiz signing?
To facilitate this move, Arsenal might need to offload a current midfielder to free up both funds and squad space.
One potential outgoing player is Emile Smith Rowe, with reports suggesting that Arsenal have agreed on a fee of up to £35 million ($45 million) with Fulham.
Ruiz had a mixed season with PSG. He made 35 appearances and scored seven goals, but he found his starting spot in league football diminish over the final months of the campaign. However, his performances at Euro 2024, where he scored two goals and provided two assists, demonstrated his potential in a well-functioning team.
Arsenal's interest in Ruiz comes as PSG pursue Joao Neves from Benfica, potentially clearing the way for Ruiz's departure.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that PSG are nearing a deal to sign Neves for €70m (£59m/$75.8m) with Renato Sanches moving to Benfica.
This could accelerate Ruiz's exit from PSG, providing Arsenal a clear timeline to act if they want to secure his services.
Arsenal are also linked to other midfield targets, including Spain's Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. With the imminent signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Arsenal's focus now shifts to further strengthening their squad.