According to the latest reports from the Daily Star, Rangers are in the race to sign Charlton Atheltic’s midfielder Joe Aribo. Celtic and Premier League champions Manchester City are also said to be interested, but the report adds that it is Aston Villa who are leading the race for his signature. Now with Premier League football secured, they are in a better place to land the talented midfielder.
Aribo is going to be out of contract, and Charlton boss indicated that he could leave the club. Bowyer recently said, ”Joe Aribo, who is out of contract, who has improved so much it is frightening to watch. He is like a sponge.
“He just takes everything in and uses it, because he has got so many strengths but I’ve said it to him many times, and he won’t mind me saying, he has still got so much to learn so this is the right club for him to learn at. But whether he stays or not will be Joe’s decision.”
Charlton themselves have won promotion to the Championship, but with Premier League clubs now interested, we feel that they are going to find it hard to keep him. Coming to Rangers, they are also likely to find it hard to lure the midfielder given the kind of clubs that are after him.
A blow for Gerrard?
The Gers secured a similar player to Aribo in the form of Glen Kamara. Plus Rangers have plenty of central midfielders in their repertoire. Aribo would be an upgrade over most of them given the talent he has but not signing him isn’t going to be a big blow for the club.
What makes Aribo special?
The 22-year-old is known as a midfield disruptor, but he also contributes in the attacking half of the pitch. The London born player managed ten goals and five assists this season, and that showed that he could affect the game in the attacking third. He is impressively strong on the ball, can go on marauding runs and he uses his long legs well to tackle the opposition. Many have even compared him to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira who could do almost everything in the middle of the park.
The fact that he is available on a free transfer might make some people feel like the Gers have a chance of landing him as they don’t need to outbid their competition. However, wages and personal terms are where Rangers are likely to lose out, and the Villans are now considered the favourites to sign him.
