Southampton pursue £10m Joe Aribo but Rangers hold firm
Rangers are holding out on a £10 million release clause for Joe Aribo after Southampton lodged an interest in the attacking midfielder. The Nigerian international has one year left on his deal at Ibrox, having moved to Glasgow in the summer of 2019 from Charlton Athletic. Rangers are now in talks with Southampton over a deal for the 25-year-old, but the Scottish club are expected to hold firm on the release clause in his contract. Aribo, who scored the opening goal in Rangers’ Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, has already been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest this summer. However, Southampton, who finished 15th in last season’s Premier League, are understood to be the front runners for Aribo’s signature. Meanwhile, John Park,
Southampton in negotiations to sign Rangers’ Joe Aribo
Southampton are in negotiations to sign Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo, The Athletic understands. The versatile 25-year-old is believed to be keen on joining Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side and the clubs are now working to agree a fee. Aribo’s contract has always included a £10 million release clause and it is understood that Rangers will not accept a total package below that value. Although one other club are talking to the Scottish team, Southampton are confident of securing the Nigeria international and a deal spanning at least four years is being prepared. The proposed transfer would also be subject to Aribo undergoing a medical before it is completed. Aribo is known to have thoroughly enjoyed his time at Rangers and while his preference is a move south of the border and to play Premier League football, he wants the situation to be dealt with amicably. The former Charlton Athletic player was scheduled to meet up with the rest of the Rangers squad in Portugal on Thursday but he is currently in London. He joined Rangers in 2019, signing a four-year contract with the Ibrox club. He was a near ever-present last season under Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, making 57 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and assisting a further 10. Nominally a central or attacking midfielder, Aribo was occasionally deployed as a striker by Van Bronckhorst amid an injury crisis during the second half of the 2021-22 campaign. Southampton have already made three summer signings, bringing in goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Mateusz Lis and defender Armel Bella-Kotchap. The Athletic has also reported that Hasenhuttl’s side are close to completing a deal for City midfielder Romeo Lavia. (Photo: Getty Images)
Joe Aribo: Rangers midfielder set for Southampton move
Southampton are in advanced talks to sign Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo. A deal is close to being agreed and the fee is believed to be worth £10m including add-ons. It is understood the 25-year-old, who has a £10m release clause in his contract, is open to the move to St Mary's. The Nigerian international has one year left on his deal at Ibrox, having moved to Glasgow in the summer of 2019 from Charlton Athletic. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Joe Aribo scored nine goals for Rangers last season He scored nine goals, including one in the Europa League final, in 57 games last season and added 10 assists. The Ibrox side have so far only added defender John Souttar to the squad this summer, while striker Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent are also in the final years of their current Ibrox deals. Image: Joe Aribo was one of Rangers' most used players last season Goalkeeper Allan McGregor, 40, has signed on for another season with veteran midfielders Scott Arfield and Steven Davis also extending their contracts. Connor Goldson also ended speculation about his future by agreeing a new four-year deal. What does Aribo bring? Sky Sports' Alison Conroy Joe Aribo impressed for Rangers last season and it was no surprise he was one of the most used players in the squad. His versatility was a benefit to Giovanni van Bronckhorst as the manager dealt with a number of injuries. Aribo played in central midfield, attacking midfield, down the right and ended the season playing up front.
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