Joe Aribo could be lying about his Rangers future as fresh quotes emerge - pundit
Joe Aribo will know he is in a "very good position" to seal a Rangers exit despite claiming he hasn't thought about leaving the club, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old is going to take his time before making a decision - amid interest from top English clubs.
Speaking on Nigerian radio station Brilla FM on 2 June (via Complete Sports), Aribo insisted he is "happy at Rangers" and is "not thinking about leaving".
Football Insider revealed on 17 April that Crystal Palace are among multiple Premier League sides interested in the Nigeria international.
Aribo has just one year remaining on his Ibrox contract.
He played a whopping 57 games across all competitions for Rangers during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring nine and assisting 10.
Whelan claimed Aribo is in a prime position to force Rangers' hand if he decides to leave the club this summer.
He told Football Insider's Russell Edge: “I don’t think he’s going to want to overcommit to anything, is he?
“He’s going to take his time. I think he’s earned that right with the performances he’s put in for Glasgow Rangers.
“Look, he’s in a very good position and he knows that. He’s been looked at by some top English clubs – even his old manager in Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
“It’s not an easy one, but he’s in the strongest position. He knows he’s got a year left.
“He’s in that place, one year left, where he can possibly force Rangers’ hand and get them to sell.”