Arsenal make first move to sign 2-time league winner after Calafiori deal – report | OneFootball

Arsenal are interested in signing a new versatile midfielder during the ongoing transfer window.

The Gunners have already signed goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal this summer and they are expected to confirm the arrival of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori very soon.

A midfielder appears the next priority. Earlier today, we revealed that the Gunners are in pole position to sign Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino ahead of Barcelona.

Duncan Castles has now revealed in his podcast that the Gunners have initiated contacts with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential transfer for Fabian Ruiz.

Arsenal will propose a season-long loan for the two-time league winner with an obligation to buy, but the deal depends on the club moving out a midfielder.

Arsenal could replace Smith Rowe with Ruiz

The Gunners are preparing for the departure of Emile Smith Rowe. Talks are underway with Fulham over a £35 million deal which could be finalised pretty soon.

Manager Mikel Arteta will want a solid upgrade on the club graduate. Ruiz would be an ideal signing with his creativity and good defensive attributes.

Ruiz played as a defensive midfielder earlier in his career, but he has transformed into a central midfielder with an attacking instinct over the last few years.

Last season, the Spaniard registered three goals and seven assists in 35 appearances for PSG. He was largely an unused substitute in the final months.

Despite this, he showed his class with Spain at the European Championship.

The 28-year-old registered two goals and two assists at the tournament. He had a passing accuracy of 91 percent, winning an average of two take-ons per game.

Ruiz also won possession on 2.3 occasions on average with 7.7 recoveries and 1.5 tackles.

Arsenal are open to adding experience in the squad and signing Ruiz on loan with an obligation to buy on certain conditions would be a smart move from them.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com