Premier League side Crystal Palace have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Rangers central midfielder Joe Aribo.
According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace are among multiple Premier League clubs interested in Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo. The Eagles have reportedly stepped up their interest in the 25-year-old and are considering a summer move for him.
Aribo moved to Rangers in 2019 in a free transfer from Charlton and has since established himself as one of the most important players at the club. He helped the side win the Scottish Premiership in just his second season under then-manager Steven Gerrard.
Aribo, who can also play as an attacking midfielder and on the right of a three-man midfield, scored thrice and assisted eight goals in the 2019/20 league season, his first with the Rangers. The 25-year-old followed it up with eight goals and seven assists across all competitions in the 2020/21 term.
Aribo has been in scintillating form this season, which has alerted a few clubs in Premier League. Aribo has scored eight times and assisted 10 goals this term, which has made him one of the most highly sought-after players in the club.
Crystal Palace, as per the report by Football Insider, have been interested in the midfielder since last year, and are now ready to move ahead in their pursuit. The Eagles sent scouts to watch the Rangers’ UEFA Europa League quarter=-final victory over Braga, where Aribo provided two assists in a 3-1 win at Ibrox.
Patrick Vieira’s side are on the lookout for a central midfielder this summer, with Chelsea loanee Connor Gallagher set to return to Stamford Bridge upon the completion of his loan deal. Gallagher has been sensational in the middle of the park for Crystal Palace and will be a big miss once he returns to the Thomas Tuchel-managed club.
Vieira will have Will Hughes and James McArthur as his only two central midfield options, leaving them short-handed in the department. Thus they are stepping up their interest in the Nigeria international Aribo. Whether or not Crystal Palace manage to complete the move remains to be seen. If not, there might be other options on their radar, including Josh Cullen.
