Rangers could land ‘astronomical’ windfall after Joe Aribo source reveal – pundit
Rangers could secure an “astronomical” windfall for Joe Aribo this summer if they secure guaranteed European group stage football, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Gers will find it “very difficult” to keep the 25-year-old this summer despite their success on the continental stage.
A recruitment source told this site on Sunday (17 April) that Crystal Palace are stepping up their interest in Aribo after watching him in action during Rangers’ 3-1 Europa League triumph against Braga last week.
The left-footed midfielder is out of contract in the summer of 2023.
Rangers could secure a place in the Champions League group stage by winning either the Europa League or the Scottish Premiership.
Whelan suggested a potential European windfall would allow Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side to hold out for a larger fee.
“Getting that guaranteed European football puts them in a stronger negotiating position,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But I just think, whether it’s Rangers or Celtic – when Premier League clubs come calling, it’s always difficult to turn them down.
“The money they can offer Rangers would be astronomical, and then there are the wages they can offer the player as well. It would probably set them up for the next two years.
“They’re going to find it very difficult to keep hold of Aribo. He’s probably got aspirations of playing in England – and as a player, that is where you want to be.”
Aribo has notched eight goals and 10 assists in 50 Rangers games this term.
The Ibrox club face a two-legged Europa League semi-final against RB Leipzig from next Thursday (28 April).
In other news, pundit claims Rangers have found Scott Arfield replacement as fresh details emerge.