Rangers need reinforcements through the door before the transfer window slams shut if Philippe Clement is to be content with the club’s summer business.
The manager hinted that it could be a busy week after the weekend’s win over Ross County, however, as yet, there have been no new arrivals, even after Ben Davies’ departure to Birmingham City.
Todd Cantwell has been linked with Blackburn Rovers and Scott Wright to join Davies in the Midlands which could free up some much needed space on the wage bill.
Rangers path cleared for Kristian Arnstad as Rapid Vienna pull out
One player who could be coming in the opposite direction is Norway Under-21 international captain Kristian Arnstad.
The midfield playmaker might be known to Philippe Clement due to his affinity to Belgian football with Arnstad only having one year left on his Anderlecht contract.
Named as one of several players who are free to leave the Royals, Rangers path to sign the talented playmaker has been made easier by Rapid Vienna pulling out of the race, according to Belgian media outlet Walfoot.
Steffen Hoffman, Rapid’s general manager, has dismissed Arnstad’s proposed move to Austria.
“Our transfer window is over. Of course, in football, nothing is ever 100% certain.
“Arnstad? That’s not a topic.”
Rapid Vienna sporting director Markus Katzer, backed this up saying:
“We have full confidence in the players we have. We have a lot of young players with potential, they will have their chance.
“The squad is quite large. A new recruit could have a negative impact on the current good atmosphere in the dressing room.”
Rangers could land another leader in Arnstad signing
Fabrizio Romano claimed that Arnstad is available for a cut-price fee of just £1.2m and has the sort of profile that will see him pop up on Nils Koppen’s radar.
After featuring regularly and progressing well under Vincent Kompany, Arnstad found himself playing at left-back and way out of position last season.
Rangers need depth, but they also need quality.
As seen with the signings earlier in the season, they have to have the potential to develop and make the club some money in the future.
What hasn’t gone unnoticed is Arnstad’s status as captain for his national side.
Similar to Liam Kelly, Clinton Nsiala, Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande, there is a clear check box that the recruitment team are looking at when it comes to mentality.
It’s not too big a leap to assume that, if a player has worn the captain’s armband for club or country, that they have something about them.
If Rangers are interested in Kristian Arnstad, the route to his signature just became an awful lot clearer.
