Napoli are hoping to use Atletico Madrid’s interest in Fabian Ruiz as an opportunity to get Rodrigo De Paul in exchange.
According to Radio Kiss Kiss, who are the official Napoli radio station, Atleti have made an approach to ask for Fabian Ruiz this summer.
He is on the market, as his contract is due to expire in June 2023 and he has not agreed a new contract to stay at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
While Real Madrid and Barcelona had been strongly linked, as well as some Premier League clubs, the 26-year-old could be heading to Atletico Madrid instead.
Napoli paid €30m to sign him from Real Betis in the summer of 2018 under request from then-coach Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Fabian Ruiz was not first choice for Luciano Spalletti this season, making only 38 competitive appearances.
Radio Kiss Kiss also points out that the Partenopei have asked for De Paul in exchange, a former Udinese midfielder and Argentina international who had already been wanted by Napoli in previous seasons.
KKN – L’Atletico Madrid si è fatto avanti per Fabian: il Napoli ha chiesto de Paul https://t.co/D3wb4p2PJU
— TuttoNapoli.net (@tuttonapoli) June 10, 2022
Sounds like a good swap. Fabian Ruiz is overrated, has no pace and cannot tackle.
“However, Fabian Ruiz was not first choice for Luciano Spalletti this season, making only 38 competitive appearances.”
Ummm. Doesn’t seem right, does it?
@PrimoCalcio
He actually only made 30 appearances – you’d expect more from a relatively injury free season senior player
Elmas came out on top with 38 appearances
Zieliński made 34
Anguissa made 22 (but ACN and injuries majorly played a factor)
Lets not forget Spalletti forced Totti to the bench. So I don’t know how much faith I’d have in his decisions on players. He has to be the center of attention.