Earlier today, Giovanni van Bronckhorst spoke about Joe Aribo, amid interest from Crystal Palace, Southampton and Aston Villa.
In our view, the Dutchman’s comments about the Rangers No.17 will make the Premier League trio sit up and take notice.
What’s the story?
Well, Van Bronckhorst admitted to Sky Sports that Aribo is leaving Ibrox.
The 47-year-old said: “At the moment he has the ambition to play in the Premier League. That is his ambition and that is probably what is going to happen in the near future. It’s what you want as a club, to get talented players into the club, develop them and eventually the player has their own ambitions.
“I think what he has done for this club is fantastic.”
Now, that pretty much confirms it.
Aribo leaves Rangers after scoring nine goals in 57 appearances across all competitions last season, while he also provided ten assists in what was an impressive campaign.
The Nigeria international’s final goal for the Bears came in a European final of all stages, as he scored the opener against Eintracht Frankfurt back in May.
Unfortunately, Aribo could not bow out with a piece of European silverware under his belt, as the Spaniards fought back to win on penalties.
Southampton set to beat Crystal Palace & Aston Villa
Look away now Crystal Palace and Aston Villa fans – those of you who wanted Aribo, at least.
According to The Athletic, the attacking midfielder is now on his way to Southampton, with a £6m fee agreed between Rangers and the Saints.
Aribo will now undergo a medical on the south coast, ahead of linking up with Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Of course, anything can happen in the transfer window, and nothing is definite until the ink is drying on the contract.
However, as things stand, it seems Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard will have to look elsewhere.
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