Rangers have completed the signing of Scott Arfield on a four-year deal.
Steven Thompson told BBC Sportscene’s Facebook Live channel that the Gers need five players of Scott Arfield’s quality to close the gap between themselves and Celtic, including a striker, playmaker and two centre-backs.
Arfield, 29, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Rangers on Monday, in a move that will see the former Falkirk midfielder move to Ibrox on a free transfer after his contract at English Premier League side Burnley expired.
The former Huddersfield Town star arrives as Steven Gerrard’s first signing as Rangers manager, with director of football Mark Allen confirming that the Gers’ incoming boss had indeed approved the transfer despite not starting until June 1.
Thompson believes the gap between Rangers and Celtic is still a large one, but he reckons if the Gers can complete five deals like Arfield, then the Gers will be well on their way to reducing the Hoops’ dominance.
“It’s a good old signing, and I think if the rest of the signings are in that ilk, then he will be able to build a reasonable squad,” Thompson said. “I think they are five players of Scott Arfield’s standard, not away from winning the league, from being more competitive.
“They are far away from Celtic. They need a striker, an attacking midfielder and two centre-halves definitely needed, right through the spine of the team. If they sign five players of Arfield’s quality, they can get closer to Celtic, i.e. an Old Firm game.”
The Gers have been linked with a whole host of players since Gerrard was confirmed as Rangers next manager, replacing Graeme Murty who was sacked after 4-0 and 5-0 losses to Celtic.
Rangers finished in third place following Sunday’s 5-5 draw against Hibernian, which sees the Gers qualify for the first qualifying round of the Europa League along with Neil Lennon’s Hibs.
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