As is widely expected, if Joe Aribo leaves Ibrox this Summer, the destination firmly appears to be London with Nottingham Forest said to be moving closer to an alternative target.
Steve Cooper’s Premiership new boys have been linked with the Nigeria international in recent weeks but of all the Premier League teams in the race for his signature, they would appear to be at the bottom of the pile.
Crystal Palace and Fulham would give that desired return to London, whilst the Steven Gerrard effect will give an appeal to Aston Villa.
A report from the Nottingham Post stated:
“…Forest have turned their attention to Domen Crnigoj, a versatile midfielder from Venezia who, the report says, is ‘edging closer’ to the City Ground.”
“Tuttomercatoweb reported last week that Forest had opened talks with Crnigoj. The two-time European champions are allegedly ‘confident’ that a deal can be agreed. That move won’t rule out a move for Aribo, it says, but claims Cooper is aiming to add the experienced Slovenian to his Premier League squad imminently.”
Closure
Aribo hasn’t been training with the Rangers squad this week, as part of extra time off allocated to those involved with international football as well as others on the comeback from injury.
As things stand, he is expected to be part of the group to travel to Portugal tomorrow for the training camp, which will see preparations for the new season ramped up. That is unless any transfer activity is imminent but either way expect closure on this issue over the next fortnight, in the best interests of both Rangers and Aribo.
There is an expectation that a fee of around £10 million would secure the signing of the 25-year old.