Arsenal are reportedly set to rival Newcastle and a host of European clubs for the signature of Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz this summer.
Ruiz, 25, has spent the last three-and-a-half years at Napoli after completing a £25million move from Real Betis in 2018, registering 20 goals and 15 assists in 150 outings for the Italian side.
This summer he is poised to enter the final year of his contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, meaning Napoli may be tempted to cash in on him at the end of the season if tying him down to an extension appears unlikely.
Newcastle, who are drawing up ambitious plans for the summer window with their new Saudi ownership behind them, are understood to have already seen a £34million bid rejected for Ruiz last month.
And according to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal have now made contact with Napoli over a potential deal.
Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his Gunners midfield this summer, with Mohamed Elneny's expected departure upon the expiry of his contract set to leave Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Thomas Partey as his only central midfielders.
However, the race for Ruiz is expected to heat up at the end of the season, as the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all believed to be circling.
The Spain international could find himself at the centre of a bidding war between some of Europe's biggest clubs this summer, which would come as music to Napoli's ears if he decides against signing an extension.
Ruiz started his career in Spain with Betis, racking up 60 appearances and helping them win the Segunda division before making the move to Napoli in 2018.
He has become a mainstay in Gli Azzurri's midfield since heading to Naples, winning the Coppa Italia in 2020, and has also earned 15 caps for his country.