Arsenal lead Newcastle United in race to sign Fabian Ruiz?

Arsenal have reportedly entered pole position in the race to complete a deal for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz, according to Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

The Gunners are at the head of the queue to sign the 26-year-old in the current transfer window despite plenty of interest in the playmaker.

The report adds that the North London outfit are facing direct competition from Newcastle United but Manchester City and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the player’s situation ahead of the 2022-23 season.

The Spain international is set to become a free agent in June 2023 so the Italian outfit would be willing to accept an offer in the region of £28.5m this summer.

Arsenal are the “most interested party” in Ruiz’s signature as manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options in the middle of the pitch after a fifth-placed finish last term.

Ruiz has contributed seven goals and four assists in 32 appearances in Serie A last term.