Giovanni van Bronckhorst is eager to explore using Joe Aribo in a more advanced role to maximise the in-demand Rangers midfielders’ attacking threat, according to the Daily Mail.
Aribo has proved a key presence in the Gers engine room since moving to Ibrox from Charlton Athletic in 2019. But clubs south of the border are now exploring potential deals.
A host of Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace, Brentford and Watford are paying close attention to his situation. The 25-year-old’s contract ends in 2023, offering potential suitors hope Rangers will consider selling him in January or the summer.
Rangers will be loath to lose Aribo, who has continued to be a key cog in their engine room for Van Bronckhorst after being offered a vital role under Steven Gerrard before his recent exit.
Aribo has started all but one of Rangers’ fixtures this term in all competitions, only missing August’s defeat to Malmo in the Champions League qualifier first leg.
The Nigeria international has also contributed four goals and three assists this season. His most recent strike came on the road on Sunday as the Gers beat Livingston 3-1.
Van Bronckhorst’s plans could help Rangers fight transfer interest in Aribo
Gerrard’s £300k capture has pleased Van Bronckhorst during his first matches as Rangers manager. Aribo’s strike on Sunday proved particularly special and has given his boss reason to consider a revised role.
Van Bronckhorst is keen to explore using Aribo in a more advanced role for his Rangers vision. The Dutchman wants to extract every ounce of the £14k-a-week ace’s attacking skill, which returned eight goals and seven assists last term over 42 games in all competitions.
Aribo having greater attacking freedom could help Rangers ward off any transfer interest from circling Premier League vultures, too, if the Nigerian enjoys his new role.
However, Gerrard returning to raid Ibrox for his former favourite can’t be ruled out. Reports by Birmingham Live note Aston Villa already admired Aribo before poaching Gerrard from Rangers last month.
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