Arsenal get Fabian Ruiz transfer update as £59m Neves 'agreement' edges closer

Arsenal have seen their hopes of signing Fabian Ruiz given a major boost following a Paris Saint-Germain transfer decision. The 28-year-old impressed in Spain's European championship triumph over the summer which has resulted in interest from the Gunners coming to light, despite a challenging campaign in France.

From 35 appearances in all competitions, having featured for just over 2,000 minutes, Ruiz managed seven goals and three assists with the majority of those arriving in PSG's Coupe de France campaign. In comparison to his record at Euro 2024, with two goals and two assists to his name, it certainly shows how good he can be in a functioning team.

Given his mixed campaign at PSG and the French club's own transfer movements, an exit is entirely possible with Arsenal said to have initiated contacts, according to journalist Duncan Castles. It has also been noted that a deal depends on Arsenal moving out a midfielder with any potential move likely to be as a loan with an obligation to buy.

A key component for a possible transfer could be completed soon as Arsenal have agreed a fee of up to £35million with Fulham to sell Emile Smith Rowe, as football.london understands. Ruiz could therefore arrive as his replacement with PSG's pursuit of Joao Neves handing Arsenal a further boost for the Spaniard.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the French giants are closing in on a deal to sign Neves from Benfica with €70million (£59million) and Renato Sanches heading to Portugal. It has also been claimed that PSG want the deal completed as early as next week which also gives Arsenal a clear Ruiz timeline if they wish to pursue his services.

Alternatively, Arteta and Edu could push for his Spain teammate Mikel Merino with the Gunners already being strongly linked to the Real Sociedad midfielder. Having now finalised a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, with a medical and announcement expected to follow shortly, Arsenal can turn their focus elsewhere.

Arsenal green light pre-season inclusion of new signing as Edu continues key transfer strategy

As football.london have reported over the last few months signing a midfielder is a priority for Arsenal ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. With links to Ruiz and Merino getting stronger, it certainly looks as though the Gunners will soon make a decision on the midfielder to sign while also sanctioning a number of exits.