Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo has emerged as a leading player for the Ibrox club and on current form the Gers will do well to stave off Premier League interest from the likes of Crystal Palace.
The Nigerian midfielder has developed into an on-pitch leader with super Joe an aggressive, forward-thinking player who is increasingly difficult to leave out the side.
Against Ross County, it was the midfielder’s header which dragged the team back into the game and Aribo’s presence in probing and driving at defences is becoming a common sight.
There’s been a clear and tangible improvement in the player this campaign and at 25-years-old there is still room to improve for the ex-Charlton midfielder.
Described as a “rule breaker” in the Rangers team, Aribo’s job is to take players on, create havoc and ultimately, deliver in the final third.
The player’s emergence as a leading player for the Nigerian national side is also a testament to his ability and Rangers will do well to keep hold of the player over the ext two windows.
Aribo’s 3 goals and 3 assists in 22 games this season don’t tell the whole story of his influence and it’s telling that Joe is amongst the most used players in the squad.
Rangers star Joe Aribo linked to Premier League Crystal Palace
There’s also a reason why Aribo has been linked to the likes of Crystal Palace ahead of the January window with reports suggesting Rangers will demand at least £10m for the player [Football Insider].
That’s a sizeable increase from the £300k cross-border compensation fee Rangers paid Charlton to sign Joe in 2019 and the player may be amongst the most sought-after stars at Ibrox soon.
Rangers’ recent financial results show that the player trading model must be kicked into effect imminently and with Joe only having 18 months to run on his current deal watching clubs may soon make a move.
But even if Rangers want to offer the player a new deal, the player’s recent development suggesst that amid Premier League interest Rangers will struggle to keep hold of the midfielder.
Don’t just take our word for it; Rangers manager Steven Gerrard admitted the club will be “lucky” to hold on to Joe if he continues to perform at his current level.
Aribo is one of five key first teamers who’re coming into the final 18 months of their Rangers contracts amid talk of player trading at Ibrox.
