OFFICIAL NOW: Arsenal completes the signing of £50m most sought after player in Europe, Negotiation have been ongoing for weeks now and now is a done deal,5yr contract signed – Medical today
OFFICIAL NOW: Arsenal completes the signing of £50m most sought after player in Europe, Negotiation have been ongoing for weeks now and now is a done deal,5yr contract signed – Medical today
After a plodding start, Arsenal’s transfer window is finally heating up.
The Premier League runners-up have already welcomed in goalkeepers Lucas Nygaard and Tommy Setford, but now they appear to be on the verge of finally completing the deal to sign Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori as well.
Moreover, the links touting Mikel Merino for a move to the Emirates this summer haven’t gone away.
However, based on recent reports, the Gunners are moving quickly to secure the signature of a star who could be the perfect alternative instead.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from Duncan Castles on Football Transfers’ Transfers Podcast, Arsenal are interested in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
In fact, Castles revealed that the Gunners have been in “discussions” with the Parisians over the £147k-per-week Spaniard, but any move would depend on the North Londoners moving a midfielder first, which appears to be happening with Emile Smith Rowe.
A potential fee is not mentioned, but Castles does claim that any move would likely be structured similarly to the David Raya deal, meaning an initial loan with an obligation to buy next year.
If Arsenal can secure Ruiz’s services on an initial loan in the coming weeks, that would be incredible business, although it could mean that Merino doesn’t join.
How Ruiz compares to Merino
So, while both players can play in a couple of midfield roles, they are both primarily central midfielders who are likely viewed as the perfect options for Arsenal’s left-eight position, but which would be the better choice? Well, when it comes to output, it’s a close fight.
