Napoli set €20 million asking price on Barcelona, Real Madrid target

Barcelona and Real Madrid seem set to square off in the transfer market for multiple targets in the summer transfer window.

The La Liga rivals are already battling it out for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland along with Brazilian sensation Endrick and Noussair Mazraoui of AFC Ajax.

Now, according to AS (h/t Fichajes), both the clubs are set to clash for the signing of Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz as well. The 25-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an impressive stint in Italy since joining the Partenopei from Real Betis in 2018.

However, the Spanish international is entering the final year of his contract with the Serie A title hopefuls at the end of the season. And, it seems that he is not looking forward to signing a new deal and is hopeful of a return to his homeland.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are keen on snapping up his services in the summer. The former are on the lookout for a replacement for veteran midfielder, Luka Modric. Barça, meanwhile, have a loaded midfield department but are on the lookout to add more quality to the ranks.

As per the report, Ruiz will be available for a bargain price of just €20 million. That is a steep drop in the asking price from Napoli, who were demanding around €80 million for the Spaniard last year.

Ruiz spoke about the interest in him from the La Liga giants, insisting that he is humbled by the links but was focused on seeing out the season at Napoli.

Having spent €30 million on his signing, the Serie A giants will be recouping a large chunk of that fee despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract. It now remains to be seen if either Barcelona or Real Madrid are willing to meet that valuation.