Premier League side Crystal Palace are plotting a summer move for Rangers star Joe Aribo who they believe can replace Conor Gallagher in the midfield.
According to The Sun, Premier League side Crystal Palace are keen on making a move for Rangers midfielder and Nigerian international Joe Aribo in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old came through the ranks at Kinetic Academy and Staines Town before making his senior debut for the latter in the semi-professional Isthmian Premier League. His performances certainly caught the eye, and Aribo moved to Charlton Atheltic in 2015. He spent four years at the Valley before moving to Rangers in 2019.
It was at the Ibrox that Aribo made himself into a household name. He was a key part of Steven Gerrard’s title-winning side and has developed into one of the best players in the Scottish Premier League. He could be on his way back to England if Palace have their way in the summer.
The Eagles are currently in the midst of a rebuild under Patrick Vieira. The French legend is slowly yet steadily transforming the London side into a formidable unit. One player who has been key in their rise is on-loan Chelsea star, Conor Gallagher.
The 22-year-old looks set to return to Stamford Bridge once his loan stint ends in the summer, leaving a big hole in the Palace midfield. The Eagles believe Aribo can replace him ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman was at Celtic Park for last week’s Old Firm derby to keep track of the midfielder.
Rangers would be willing to do business if their £10 million asking price is met. Palace, for their part, appear ready to splash the cash and have the funds to do so. If the deal were to go through, it would represent an excellent profit for the Scottish champions who paid a measly £300,000 for his services in 2019.
A central midfielder, the 25-year-old Nigerian international has an eye for a pass and is not afraid of putting his foot in when needed. Aribo is also a skilled dribbler and can carry the ball up the field with intent. His addition will certainly give Palace another creative presence in midfield.
As things stand, Rangers are in contention to successfully defend their title and potentially even offer the player Champions League football. However, Palace can offer him a move to London and be the face of a young and exciting outfit that is looking to scale greater heights.
The Selhurst Park outfit made a few promising moves last summer. They brought in Michael Olise, Marc Guehi, Will Hughes, Odsonne Edouard, and Joachim Andersen. In 2019, Charlton loaned Gallagher to replace Aribo, who had left for Rangers. Whether Palace will take the opposite approach next summer remains to be seen.
I think Palace are deluded if they think they can acquire the services of Joe Aribo for just £10m.
He has and is being scouted by numerous clubs !