Ibrox transfer news: Rangers 'may now have to cash-in' on Joe Aribo

Rangers ‘might have to sell’ star midfielder Joe Aribo in the summer if he refuses to sign a new contract, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Several Premier League clubs were linked with the 25-year-old throughout the recently concluded January transfer window as he appears to be edging towards the Ibrox exit door.

Aribo has established himself as one of the most dominant engine room operators in the Scottish Premiership since arriving on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic in July 2019.

In 125 appearances for the Glasgow giants, he has found the back of the net on 23 occasions, providing a further 21 assists and claiming the league title along the way.

The 12-cap Nigeria international’s outstanding performances have attracted the attention of multiple teams south of the border, who are eager to take advantage of his contract situation.

With just 18 months left to run on his existing deal, Rangers must decide whether to cash in on Aribo at the end of 2021/22 or risk losing one of their top players on a free transfer a year later.

And he’s unlikely to be short of options. According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace, Watford and Brentford are all eager to snap up the 6 foot ace, while Southampton have also been credited with an interest.

Rangers’ managing director Stewart Robertson has previously admitted the reigning Scottish champions will have to sell players as part of their business model going forwards.

Therefore, O’Rourke believes the club will be keen to ‘protect their assets’ and may sell Aribo in the next window as a result.

He told GiveMeSport: “So, Rangers will be keen to protect their assets, and if he’s not going to sign a new deal, they might have to sell him in the summer.”

Aribo has a big decision