According to the latest reports from Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo as cited by AS, Real Madrid have decided to step up the pursuit to sign Napoli’s midfielder Fabian Ruiz. They are willing to spend €20million and will involve Isco in a swap deal to sign the former Real Betis midfielder. Barcelona and Premier League champions Manchester City are also said to be interested.
If Manchester City are really keen, then the latest update is a piece of bad news for them as an Isco plus €20m in cash looks like a lucrative deal. Napoli chairman, Aurelio De Laurentiis, said last week (The Guardian): “I paid €30m for Fabián, and he’s a fantastic player. If some of the top European clubs were to offer €180m, we could start talking about selling him.”
The €180m remark seems more of a tongue in cheek remark to us, but the chairman made it clear that Ruiz wouldn’t leave the Serie A heavyweights for cheap. Few teams in world football can match Manchester City’s financial might, and one of them is undoubtedly Real Madrid as they have the means to lure almost anyone.
Isco hasn’t kicked off as it was expected in the last few years and involving him to get Ruiz could be a shrewd move from the Los Blancos.
What can Ruiz bring to th Etihad?
Ruiz is known for his immaculate ball control and ability to get out of tight spaces with his dribbling skills. The Spanish international seems to be in control every time he receives the ball on the pitch, and he hardly gets dispossessed in a game.
The 23-year-old also has that killer pass in his locker to open up the opposition defences as well. All in all, we feel that he will be an ideal fit for Guardiola given the way he sets up his team to dominate possession.
What now for Guardiola with Real Madrid’s interest?
As mentioned, Real Madrid have the means to beat City in a transfer battle. However, losing out on Ruiz shouldn’t be too big a blow for the Citizens given that they have some outstanding talent in midfield. They will miss the services of David Silva after this season, but Phil Foden is waiting in the wings to get his opportunities. Ruiz would be an ideal addition to the City squad, but we think that they have enough talent in their roster even if they miss out on the Spanish midfielder.
