According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa target Joe Aribo is now set to leave Rangers for Southampton in a deal worth £6m.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Steven Gerrard is keen on a reunion with the Nigeria international, who he took to Rangers in a £300,000 deal back in 2019.
However, Aribo is now set to snub a move to Villa Park in favour of Southampton, according to Romano.
The reliable Italian journalist believes Joe Shields – the new Director of Football at St Mary’s – was decisive in luring the Londoner to Southampton, and he is now set to follow Romeo Lavia on the south coast.
Crystal Palace were also interested in signing Aribo, whereas Nottingham Forest were keen on a deal for the 25-year-old as well.
Interest in the Rangers No.17 comes after he scored nine goals in 57 appearances for the Bears last season, while also providing ten assists.
Aribo also scored against Sevilla in the Europa League final while acting as a makeshift centre-forward.
Furthermore, Giovanni van Bronckhorst used him on the right flank, as well as in midfield, so he is clearly a versatile player.
Southampton beat Aston Villa to a bargain
In our view, Gerrard will be very envious of Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Aribo is a brilliant footballer, who – at the age of just 25 – has plenty of time on his side to get even better.
As aforesaid, he is also a very versatile player, so Hasenhuttl can use him as a utility option to cover other areas in case of injuries or suspensions, which is always helpful over the course of a season.
For just £6m, this is a bargain for Southampton, who have done well to take advantage of Aribo’s contract situation.
The attacker becomes a free agent in June 2023, and is said to have rejected a new deal at Ibrox, hence the low fee.
Only time will tell, but we believe Aribo is already one of the signings of the summer, given the money involved.
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