Looking to find the perfect midfield partner for Declan Rice this summer, Arsenal’s solution could already be staring them in the face at Euro 2024.
Mikel Arteta is thought to have communicated a number of targets to Edu and his recruitment team for the months ahead.
A central midfielder could be the priority signing, but the club also want to sign a new left-back and a forward.
In terms of the midfielder Arsenal desire, the club are thought to be looking at both number eights and those who can sit in the pivot.
Declan Rice’s versatility offered Arsenal flexibility in that regard, which could be important given the limited number of world class options available.
Of course, in an ideal world Arteta would find a midfielder who can do both, just like Rice, providing several different midfield combinations.
That’s a rare profile to find, but if you’re looking for a tactically adept passing maestro, Spain’s national team is a good place to start.
And whilst Euro 2024 substitutes Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino have both been linked to Arsenal, it’s been a long time since Fabian Ruiz’s name has been mentioned.
Arsenal should consider Fabian Ruiz move after PSG decide he’s free to leave
Arsenal were actually said to be interested in signing Ruiz in January, perhaps noticing an opportunity to recruit an underappreciated talent.
Despite playing a crucial role for Spain at the Euros as their number eight, playing alongside Manchester City’s Rodri, Ruiz isn’t a regular starter for Paris Saint-Germain.
And having recognised his strong performances in Germany, PSG think it could be a sensible time to sell Ruiz this summer.
Footmercato have even suggested that the Parisiens would be willing to push Ruiz out of the door, perhaps paving the way for a new signing.
At 28-years-old, ‘very talented‘ Ruiz is adept in almost any midfield role – explaining how integral he could be under Arteta.
And although Ruiz would be slightly older than a typical Arsenal signing of late, this could be the perfect point of the project to add his experience.
Whether it’s sitting behind Rice or slightly ahead, Ruiz would complement the England international, and would add to Arsenal’s height in midfield – a more physically imposing presence than Jorginho.
So whilst Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is likely still the preferred summer signing of most Arsenal fans, and understandably so, Ruiz could be an excellent alternative.
READ MORE: German media react to Arsenal’s Kai Havertz’s performance after goal vs Denmark in Euro 2024 last-16
