Mikel Arteta identifies next move after Matteo Guendouzi's parting shot

Arsenal are reportedly lining-up a move for Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz this summer.

The rumour emerges just days after former Gunners midfielder Matteo Guendouzi insisted his permanent transfer to Marseille is the "best choice" he's made in years.

Ruiz, 25, is currently enjoying his fourth season at Italian giants Napoli and has just 15 months remaining on his existing deal.

He is a 15-cap Spain international - representing his country at Euro 2020 - and has previously played for Real Betis and Elche, making 257 club appearances to date.

Ruiz is believed to be available for just £16million this summer and can play as either a defensive, box-to-box or attacking midfielder.

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According to Transfermarkt, the Spaniard is valued at £49.5m. But, as reported by FourFourTwo, Napoli don't want to lose him on a free transfer.

Arsenal are in need of a new central midfielder, with only Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga currently on their books.

Fellow central midfielders Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Lucas Torreira are out on loan.

Torreira could join Fiorentina on a permanent basis in the summer - as his loan deal has an option to buy - while Elneny is out of contract.

Manager Mikel Arteta sanctioned Guendouzi's permanent move to Marseille earlier this month and the French midfielder was quick to take a dig at the Gunners.

The 22-year-old hasn't played for Arsenal since clashing with Brighton striker Neal Maupay following a Premier League game in June 2020.

"It was a carefully considered choice," said Guendouzi when asked about the deal.

"There were very good discussions with the president, with the coach and people in my family. We really made the best decision altogether.

"For me, it's the best choice I've made in many years.

"President [Pablo] Longoria and coach [Jorge] Sampaoli are the people who introduced me to the project and made me want to come.

"We talked about Marseille's project, what I could bring to the team, how I was going to grow.

"I found myself in this speech, I knew that when I came here, I was going to cross levels and continue to grow, whether it was humanly or football-wise."

Guendouzi's comments may bruise Arteta's ego, but the Gunners boss is unlikely to care with a new midfield target reportedly identified and the team's positive position.

Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester United in fourth with three games in hand.

Although Arteta's side are still a long way from challenging Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, they must considered as favourites for Champions League qualification.

Since the beginning of September, Arsenal have impressed - losing only to Liverpool, United, City and Everton. And just one of those defeats were by a heavy margin.

Their form against teams outside of the so-called "Big Six" has been tremendous, winning 13 of their 18 fixtures. Comparatively, United's record stands at 11 wins out of 22.

The future is looking bright for Arteta and the Gunners. They don't need to worry about the opinions of former players and critics, just a top-four finish.