Rangers manager Gio van Bronckhorst has suggested that the club are keen to soon tie Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent down to new deals [The Rangers Review].
Aribo and Kent are both guaranteed starters for Rangers under GvB, as they were during Steven Gerrard’s tenure.
The former has scored six goals and registered six assists so far this season, while the latter has only netted twice but has eleven assists to his name.
Both players have been linked with moves to the Premier League during their time at Ibrox.
Leeds United actually tabled a £10m bid for Kent in the summer of 2020 but it was rejected [BBC Sport] and both players appear to be happy in Glasgow.
But their current contracts are set to expire at the end of next season, so Rangers won’t be in a strong position if interest ramps up again this summer.
When asked about their contract situations during Wednesday morning’s press conference, though, van Bronckhorst hinted that the club are primed to act.
GvB gives contract update on Aribo and Kent
“No, I haven’t spoken with them about extending contracts,” said the Gers boss [The Rangers Review]. “That’s something the club will do in the near future so we just need to make sure we have the future well planned.”
“Of course, these are players who are very important for our club so I think the talks will begin but with players of these qualities, you want to have them as long as possible.”
It’s inevitable that Aribo and Kent will move on at some point, with both players likely to fancy a shot at the English top flight.
But it’s important that when that time does come, Rangers get a fair price for two of their top performers.
That’s crucial for the Gers to become self-sufficient and if extensions can be agreed soon, the club will be in a much better position to negotiate with suitors in future windows.
Meanwhile, the Rangers manager delivered mixed injury news ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
