Amid reports of Nottingham Forest tracking Rangers’ Joe Aribo this Summer, the case for a move to the east Midlands has been reduced to the usual story – money.
The Nigeria international is known to be on the shortlist of a few clubs in the Premier League, with the obvious attraction of a return to London for the man signed by Rangers from Charlton three years ago.
Now with Steve Cooper’s Forest back in the big time, they have a dog in the fight in terms of jostling for position to attract players on the level of Aribo.
In speaking to Football Insider, former City Ground striker Kevin Campbell opted for the obvious factor in terms of a potential attraction to bring the 25-year old to Forest for the season ahead:
“We are talking Premier League football here though. Financially, Rangers cannot compete. That is unfortunately the case. That is the way life is. Aribo has gone up there and won his trophies. He’s had that success. Nottingham Forest are a massive draw. It is a beautiful city.”
“Steve Cooper could develop him and that might entice him. It is an exciting project at Forest.”
“With the money we are talking about, I think it might materialise. I think it would turn his head a little.”
Perspective
He is right, to an extent.
Rangers can’t compete with Premier League money, that is a fact. As for Aribo, it seems clear that his preference would be to return to London or at least the south. Nottingham Forest would be doing really well to secure his signature.
The step up to the PL, would be a challenge for the mercurial midfielder. Yes, he has the talent but as seen at Ibrox, his impact has been blighted by a lack of consistency over the course. That is an area that he would need to address quickly.
He would also want stability. Ideally, a Crystal Palace, Fulham or Aston Villa move would be ahead of Forest and even Everton in terms of those clubs to be linked.
A move for Joe Aribo is very likely over the coming weeks, with a contractual fee of around £10million said to be the selling point. We appear to be very close to the time for action.