Ex-Leeds stopper insists Rangers stand no chance of keeping EPL-linked midfielder Aribo

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has insisted that Glasgow Rangers stand no chance of keeping Joe Aribo if he expresses his desire to leave the club.

Allnigeriasoccer.com reported with certainty earlier this week that Rangers have held initial talks on a contract renewal with Aribo and his camp but discussions were not productive at all, with the player making it clear that he is not interested in extending his stay beyond the end of next season.

The Nigeria international has emerged as a transfer target for Brentford, Watford and Crystal Palace ahead of the January transfer window.

Aribo is enjoying a great season at the Light Blues, with a goal involvement of eight in sixteen appearances in the Scottish top-flight and was involved in every single game played by the club in the Europa League, helping them qualify for the knockout rounds.

Rangers would be forced to cash in on the versatile midfielder in the coming months rather than allowing him walk away on a free transfer in July 2023.

"This is always the problem when Rangers players get linked to the Premier League," Kenny said to Football Insider.

"Financially, it’s another planet. When you have players who are interesting Premier League teams it’s hard to keep them.

"We all know Rangers’ finances are poor at the moment. They might have to cash in on someone.

"They will have to consider a bid for Aribo if one comes in. Then you have the issue of does the player want to move.

"If he does then there is no stopping it. That would be a huge blow for Rangers, Aribo is playing so well at the moment.

"It’s easy to see why some of those bottom half Premier League clubs might want him."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel