An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their interest in signing Napoli's Fabian Ruiz in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to Corriere dello Sport, PIF are eyeing up a swoop to sign the central midfielder and are set to battle with fellow Premier League side Arsenal for his signature.

The report claims that he is available for a fee in the region of €30m (£26m), with the Magpies and the Gunners the two clubs at the front of the queue to land him.

Thiago Alcantara 2.0

By securing a deal to sign the Napoli gem, PIF can land Thiago Alcantara 2.0 for Eddie Howe, as Ruiz could be a similarly graceful presence in the Premier League.

FBRef list the pair as being similar, based on their statistics over the last 365 days, and it is easy to see why as they are both Spanish central midfielders who are enjoyable to watch.

Interestingly, both players have won the MVP award at the European Under-21 Championships whilst representing Spain. Thiago won the award in 2013 and Ruiz claimed it six years later.

The Napoli man ranks in the 83rd percentile or higher in progressive carries and passes, pass completion success rate, shot-creating actions, and passes attempted among positional peers in Europe's top five leagues in his position over the last 12 months.

Meanwhile, Thiago ranks in the 92nd percentile or higher in all those categories, which shows that both players excel at passing with a view to progressing their teams up the pitch.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Ruiz an "artist", while journalist Josh Bunting also lauded his talents earlier this year, tweeting: "Fabián Ruiz is a beautiful footballer, he scored the only goal in Napoli’s win over Torino. His pass selection is so good, dictates the play, so smart and intelligent on the ball and off it, so good at popping into space and rotating the ball around, keeps them ticking."

These quotes further illustrate how impressive the Spaniard is on the ball, and Newcastle must now snap him up to provide the Premier League with another Thiago Alcantara next season.

At the age of 26, Ruiz may still have his best years ahead of him, which means that he could develop over time with the Magpies - making him a signing for the here-and-now as well as the future, instead of merely being a short-term addition or a fledgling talent who isn't yet ready for top-flight action.

AND in other news, Forget Ekitike: Newcastle now "close to" landing second summer signing, Howe will be elated...