If a recent report from the Daily Record is believed to be true, Rangers star Joe Aribo has new admirers in Southampton having already drawn the attention of Brentford, Burnley and Aston Villa. The Saints sent a representative to scout him against Dundee United and his impressive run of form might lead to a January offer from south of the border.
The Nigerian has been standout this season from the centre of the pitch and his work rate, composure and down the middle runs earned him a free role in midfield under former chief Steven Gerrard. He has fired in 6 times and laid on 4 more in 31 appearances across competitions (stats via Transfermarket) and his box-to-box movements, link-up play, mobility as well as ball-carrying ability enriched new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Gerrard urged Aribo to become the ‘rule breaker‘ in the Rangers squad and the 25-year-old is currently enjoying his time week in week out. He was a Bosman recruit from Charlton Athletic back in 2019 but has become the standout performer with 122 appearances so far donning the Gers colours.
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However, the Super Eagles international has 18 months left to his current deal at Ibrox and the Light Blues are yet to tie him down to a new contract stretching his stay beyond the summer of 2023. The growing interest from Premier League might see him parting ways in the forthcoming future and the Glasgow giants must decide whether to retain his services beyond winter in case the Saints table a suitable offer.
Rangers are destined to lose Connor Goldson who will be a free agent next summer, and therefore, must avoid another setback by keeping hold of him given the likelihood of significant financial profit from his departure. Having said that, their title defence would receive a significant setback amid Celtic’s exquisite form shaking off early jitters.
The Gers have ample midfield options who are challenging each other for first-team status. Steven Davis, Scott Arfield, Glen Kamara, John Lundstram, Juninho Bacuna and Ryan Jack are there along with Aribo to slot in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 set-up, but the versatility of the latter can’t be replicated by the others.
Southampton, struggling lower down the Premier League standings, might splash the cash in January to bolster the squad. James Ward-Prowse has been impressive as the chief ball carrier, but the addition of Aribo would enhance quality considering his expertise exhibited both north of the border as well as Europe since leaving England.
