Joe Aribo Rangers transfer exit given 'near future' tag as Giovanni van Bronckhorst reveals latest

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has confirmed that Joe Aribo is set to leave Rangers with a move to the English Premier League probably going to happen in the 'near future'.

The Light Blues star has entered the final 12 months of his current deal with reports suggesting he knocked back the chance of extended terms. The midfielder has been a key member of the first team at Ibrox since his 2019 arrival from Charlton Athletic.

Steven Gerrard brought him from England and after three years at Ibrox he looks set for a return down south. Van Bronckhorst has confirmed that the 25-year-old has an ambition to play in England's top division with Southampton the destination. A potential deal could reach £10million with add-ons and a sell-on clause included with the initial fee around £6m. Aribo was instrumental in Rangers' run to the Europa League Final last season and the Scottish Cup success over Hearts.

Van Bronckhorst has described what he has done for the club as 'fantastic' as he gave his blessing for a return to England.

He told Sky Sports: "Joe is a very important player for us.

"He's been really good for this club for the last few years. Of course, his development was really good.

"But at the moment, he has the ambition to play in the (English) Premier League.

"So that's his ambition and that's probably what is going to happen in the near future.

"It's what you want as a club - to get talented players, develop them into really good players and eventually the players have their own ambitions.

"I think what he's done for the club is fantastic."