Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace are keeping a keen eye on Rangers star Joe Aribo who is also drawing interest from other EPL clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, Premier League side Crystal Palace are targeting Rangers star Joe Aribo.
The 25-year-old joined the Scottish Premier League champions from Charlton Atheltic in 2019. He emerged as a key player for the Ibrox based outfit and took his game to the next level under former manager Steven Gerrard.
Aribo has around 18 months left on his current deal, and this has given interested parties some ammo to use in negotiations. Having found the net 21 times and has assisted 18 more in just 116 appearances, Aribo has made a name for himself in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite Gerrard leaving the Ibrox for pastures new, Aribo has continued to impress under new boss Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. The Nigerian was named the man of the match in Sunday’ 3-1 win at Livingston. He scored an excellent goal on the night and appeared to have convinced his new manager that he should play a more advanced role in the attack.
While Rangers would loathe losing a player of his ability, Aribo is not short of options. Apart from Palace, Brentford and Watford are also seeking his services. Aribo has certainly learned from one of the best midfielders of his generation in Steven Gerard at the Ibrox. Whether another legend, Patrick Vieira, will deliver more lessons at Selhurst Park remains to be seen.
This summer, Palace have made some wise investments, signing Michael Olise, Marc Guehi, Will Hughes, Odsonne Edouard, and Joachim Andersen. While it does give Vieira a talented young core to work with, he may need a new midfielder next summer.
This is because one of Palace’s top performers, Conor Gallagher, is on loan from Chelsea and still harbours hope of making it at Stamford Bridge. His seemingly imminent departure could leave a huge void in the Eagles squad that the opposition can exploit. Palace have shown excellent potential this season and could develop into a formidable side with the right investments.
Aribo’s ability to dribble and make key passes and an eye for tackle makes him an all-rounder for Rangers in the middle of the park. The foundation he provides aids players ahead of him to make an impact. And Palace could certainly do with just that. With options on the table, where the Nigerian decides to go remains to be seen.