Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo could have his head turned by the prospect of a move to the Premier League, claims Kevin Campbell.
The Lowdown: Interest in Aribo
Having entered the final 12 months of his Gers contract, finances could play a part in the 25-year-old’s future at Ibrox, with the club potentially having to cash-in on the £9m-rated player at risk of losing such a talented asset for nothing next time around.
According to a report by The National, Nottingham Forest and Fulham are both considering making moves for the Nigeria international this summer, as they look to add reinforcements to their midfields before the start of the Premier League season.
The Latest: Campbell’s claim
Campbell, who features as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes that Aribo would be receptive to a move to Forest this summer.
Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed:
“Joe Aribo has done really well at Rangers. He is one of the main men there.
“We are talking Premier League football here though. Financially, Rangers cannot compete. That is unfortunately the case. That is the way life is.
“Aribo has gone up there and won his trophies. He’s had that success. Nottingham Forest are a massive draw. It is a beautiful city.
“They have a young, progressive manager who has got the club back in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years. Steve Cooper could develop him and that might entice him. It is an exciting project at Forest.
“With the money we are talking about, I think it might materialise. I think it would turn his head a little.”
The Verdict: Big loss
Looking at Aribo’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why he is so crucial to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.
When compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Nigerian ranks in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won, the 97th percentile for expected assists and the 95th percentile for both interceptions and clearances (via FB Ref).
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With the 25-year-old’s contract set to expire next summer, Rangers will be sweating over his future and it's frankly hard to disagree with Campbell's assessment - if the money is right and the player is tempted, GvB and Co may have no choice but to sell.