BREAKING NEWS LIVE : Arsenal given Fabian Ruiz transfer boost as $76m PSG ‘agreement’ edges closer

Arsenal has been heavily linked with a move for Fabian Ruiz in recent weeks and the Gunners have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of the PSG midfielder

Fabian Ruiz is being linked with a Premier League transfer.

Arsenal’s chances of signing Fabian Ruiz have been significantly boosted following a transfer decision by Paris Saint-Germain. The 28-year-old Spaniard, who shone in his country’s European championship victory over the summer, has piqued the interest of the Gunners despite a challenging season in France.

Ruiz managed to score seven goals and provide three assists from 35 appearances across all competitions, clocking just over 2,000 minutes on the pitch. Most of these contributions came during PSG’s Coupe de France campaign. His performance at Euro 2024, where he netted two goals and provided two assists, is a testament to his potential in a well-oiled team.

Considering his inconsistent season at PSG and the club’s own transfer activities, Ruiz’s departure seems plausible. Arsenal is reported to have initiated contact, as per Duncan Castles. It’s also been suggested that any potential deal hinges on Arsenal offloading a midfielder, with a loan move followed by an obligatory purchase being the likely arrangement,

A crucial piece of the puzzle could soon fall into place as Arsenal has agreed a fee of up to $45m (£35m/€42m) with Fulham for the sale of Emile Smith Rowe, according to Football.London. This could pave the way for Ruiz to step in as his replacement, especially with PSG’s pursuit of Joao Neves giving Arsenal an additional edge in securing the Spanish player.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported that French heavyweight PSG is nearing a deal to sign Neves from Benfica for a fee of $76m (£59m/€70m), with Renato Sanches set to move the other way. It’s also been suggested that PSG is keen to wrap up the deal as soon as next week, which could provide Arsenal with a clear timeline if they decide to pursue Ruiz.

Fabian Ruiz of Spain

Alternatively, Arteta and Edu might turn their attention to Ruiz’s Spanish compatriot Mikel Merino, who currently plies his trade at Real Sociedad and has already been linked with a move to the Emirates. With the Gunners having now sealed a deal for Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, with a medical and announcement imminent, they can shift their focus to other targets.

Bolstering the midfield is high on Arsenal’s agenda ahead of the 2024/25 season. With links to both Ruiz and Merino intensifying, it seems likely that a decision will be made soon on which midfielder to bring in, while also facilitating several departures.