Arsenal 'open PSG talks' as Mikel Arteta devises tactic to solve midfield conundrum

Posted Saturday, July 27, 2024 by Express.co.uk

Arsenal are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal 'open PSG talks' as Mikel Arteta devises tactic to solve midfield conundrum
Arsenal are reportedly in talks over signing Fabian Ruiz from PSG (Image: Getty)

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to repeat their loan success with David Raya by luring Euro 2024 star Fabian Ruiz from Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his midfield this summer and a bargain deal could be struck for the Spain midfielder.

The Gunners have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the transfer window this summer. A £34million deal for defender Riccardo Calafiori to sign from Bologna is widely expected to be completed over the weekend.

A midfielder could be next on Arsenal’s agenda and Ruiz is reportedly being targeted. Arsenal are claimed to be in talks with French champions PSG over a possible move.

According to The Transfers Podcast, the North Londoners are even willing to strike a loan deal with an obligation to buy the 28-year-old in 12 months’ time. That structure of transfer would be similar to the one used to purchase Ruiz’s Spain team-mate Raya.

The goalkeeper joined Arsenal from Brentford in an initial loan agreement a year ago. That move has been made permanent for £28m this summer.

Ruiz has struggled to find regular football at PSG. He started just 21 of their Ligue 1 and Champions League matches last season, playing under countryman Luis Enrique.

However, Ruiz’s performances for Spain at Euro 2024 caught the eye and there are likely to be plenty of suitors should he decide to leave the Parisians over the coming weeks. Arsenal could face fierce competition from other European clubs.

It is claimed, though, that any move for Ruiz by Arsenal will be subject to them selling a midfielder. Arteta already has a plethora of options in the middle of the park.

Arsenal 'open PSG talks' as Mikel Arteta devises tactic to solve midfield conundrum
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reportedly wants to strengthen his midfield (Image: Getty)

Thomas Partey and Jorginho have been linked with departures but neither exit appears to be genuinely close. Arsenal are also rumoured to be interested in Ruiz’s Spain colleague Mikel Merino.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are close to completing a permanent move for Bologna defender Calafiori. The Italian is a versatile defender who can play at centre-back and left-back, which potentially sets him up to play in the inverted full-back position favoured by Arteta.

Calafiori is widely reported to be travelling into London tonight (Friday) to complete his medical. The 22-year-old is expected to join Arsenal on their pre-season tour of the United States, which began with a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth last night.

Arsenal face all-Premier League clashes with Manchester United and Liverpool Stateside on Sunday and Thursday, respectively.