Former Inter director Marco Branca, who is part of Fabian Ruiz’s entourage, admits that the Napoli star is being monitored by several clubs in Europe.
Ruiz seems destined to leave the Stadio Maradona at the end of the season as talks to extend his contract expiring in 2023 have led nowhere so far. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal have been linked with securing the player’s services, but the Spaniard is reportedly targeting a return home, so he would not consider an offer from North London.
“It’s very easy to judge him, I think he has an appeal all over Europe,” Branca told Radio Punto Nuovo as quoted by Napoli Magazine.
“The club has already an idea, but we’ll face the situation at the right moment. There is time to do everything, the market is close but it’s still too early to talk. Sometimes clubs are forced to make certain decisions, sometimes it’s the player who wants to leave.”
MERCATO – Branca: "Fabian Ruiz ha estimatori in tutta Europa, ma è presto per parlarne" https://t.co/rS66cLApx8
— Antonio Petrazzuolo (@apetrazzuolo) March 15, 2022
Ruiz joined Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli in 2018 in a deal worth €30m from Betis Sevilla. The Spain international has played a key role under Luciano Spalletti this term contributing to 10 goals (six goals and four assists) in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Napoli are just three points off table leaders Milan after their 2-1 win over Hellas Verona on Sunday. Ruiz has played 158 games with the Partenopei during his time at the Stadio Maradona.
Would be a shame to see him go but I never fault a player who wishes to go home.