Premier League duo Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa like Rangers’ Joe Aribo but Kenny Miller believes Crystal Palace is a move that ‘makes sense’, speaking to the Daily Record.
With Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack, Filip Helander and Aribo all entering the final 12 months of their contracts, plenty of nails will be chewed on the blue side of Glasgow between now and the close of the window.
Of the aforementioned quintet, Aribo feels like the most likely to depart at this stage.
Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest and an Aston Villa side coached by former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard are interested. According to Football Scotland, however, Crystal Palace are in pole position as things stand.
Palace have expressed their interest to Aribo’s representatives. What’s more, Rangers are open to discussing a transfer for a man reportedly valued in the region of £12 million.
Crystal Palace move ‘makes sense’ for Rangers’ Joe Aribo
“Speculation is building around Joe Aribo’s future at Rangers with Crystal Palace keen,” says Miller, the former Ibrox hero.
“Joe is now at a good age. He has everything a Premier League club would want. With a year left on his contract, teams won’t be stupid with potential bids. Rangers will have a valuation of what he’s worth and it’s about whether they can find that common ground with a buyer.
“I’d like to see Aribo’s situation resolved quickly. Either re-sign him on a new deal or if the board are willing to sell, let’s bring in the most money we can.”
Versatile and brimming with verge, Aribo provided nine goals and ten assists for Rangers in 2021/22. One of those goals came in the Europa League final, the Nigeria international filling in at centre-forward due to the absence of Alfredo Morelos.
And Miller feels that a return to the English capital ‘makes sense’, with Crystal Palace situated just ten miles south of Aribo’s former employers Charlton Athletic.
A big profit
“London probably makes sense for Joe because it’s where he grew up,” Miller adds. “Joe only signed for around £300,000. If Rangers can get around £8million for him it’s good business.
“That’s the model every club wants. You sign cheap – the same way Celtic did with Moussa Dembele – and sell big. Clubs need to balance the books and Rangers are no different.
“Right now, Aribo is still an asset. But if it gets to Christmas time and nothing’s happened, he’ll probably leave for nothing. Maybe now is a good time for him to go.”
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