Quietly, Arsenal have arguably made themselves the favourites to secure that fourth spot in the Premier League this season.
Mikel Arteta's side currently sit two points behind Manchester United in that position, although they have three games in hand on their rivals. While those fixtures are by no means a guarantee of points, it does give them the opportunity to get into an enviable position as we head into the closing period of the season.
Securing a top four finish would be quite the achievement for Arsenal, who started off the campaign in a very unconvincing manner. It would also vindicate the work that Arteta has done at The Emirates since his appointment, with some of the club's supporters having previously questioned the progress made under the Spaniard.
Having Champions League football next season would also make it easier to attract a higher calibre of player to the club this summer, with it appearing as though they are already leading the chase for one Serie A star.
Arsenal favourites to sign Fabian Ruiz this summer
FourFourTwo are reporting that Arsenal are the current frontrunners to sign Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
The 25-year old has been one of the most promising players in the Italian top flight in recent years, although he is likely to be available at a very reasonable price in the months ahead. With Ruiz's contract only running until the summer of 2023 and negotiations over a new deal at a standstill, it has been suggested that a bid of £16million could be enough to secure his services in the upcoming transfer window.
Oh wow, what a beauty from Fabian Ruiz 🤩😯
Napoli take the lead back in the 94th minute and become the new Serie A leaders! pic.twitter.com/lkAimfk6rY— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 27, 2022
Signing a player of his calibre for that price is a fantastic deal for any club, with Arsenal badly in need of some reinforcements in midfield. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka have played well at times this season, but they are still in need of a player who can keep the game ticking over with his passing in the middle third. Ruiz should be able to provide that.
This would certainly be an excellent signing, although the club will be focused on securing that top four finish before they can get a true idea as to where their full transfer ambitions will lie this summer.
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