Real Madrid have earmarked Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz as a potential transfer target this summer, claims AS.
Napoli only signed Ruiz from Real Betis last summer and the Spain international quickly established himself as a key player under Carlo Ancelotti.
Madrid are desperate to overhaul their midfield options this summer but are struggling to land top transfer targets Paul Pogba and Christian Eriksen.
Ruiz has emerged as an alternative for Madrid but Zinedine Zidane’s side will face similar difficulties signing the 23-year-old.
Napoli are not thinking about Ruiz’s departure and did not include a release clause in his contract when he joined.
It leaves Madrid facing the prospect of making a staggering offer in order to prise Ruiz away from Napoli.
Ruiz featured for Spain’s senior squad during their most recent Euro 2020 qualifiers but has now dropped down to the U21s for this summer’s European Championships.
Ruiz played a direct hand in nine goals in 27 league appearances for Napoli last season. Furthermore, Ruiz made more key passes than any other player aged 23 and under in Serie A in 2018/19.