Rangers striker Joe Aribo has been quizzed over transfer interest after being a reported target for several Premier League clubs this summer.
The playmaker has impressed since he joined the Gers back in 2019 from Charlton and scored in the Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last month. He has since been tipped to make a move to the English top-flight this summer, with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa both said to be monitoring his situation ahead of a proposed transfer.
Aribo is currently away on international duty with Nigeria where the Super Eagles face Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Sierra Leone on Thursday and Sao Tome and Principe next Monday. Ahead of those games, the midfielder was quizzed on the reported transfer interest in him by reporters but kept quiet on the noise around his future.
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"I’m not focused on that," he told All Nigeria Soccer via footballscotland. "Right now I’m with Nigeria so I’m just focusing on playing with my country and representing my country." He then added: "I’m not focused on all that stuff, I’m just focusing on Nigeria right now."
Palace are yet to make any kind of formal approach for Aribo as they continue to weigh up their options ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. Manager Patrick Vieira is keen to bolster his squad in key areas and the club are currently thought to be working on several signings who could come in and make an immediate impact on the starting XI.
One name who has been linked with a move to south London is midfielder Cheick Doucoure from Ligue 1 side Lens. with Palace currently short on options in midfield following the departure of Conor Gallagher back to parent club Chelsea. The Eagles are also yet to announce their list of released players, with several stars - including midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate - out of contract and reportedly in talks over a new deal.
The Eagles are also said to be looking at a centre-back to provide more cover and competition for Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen, while there have also been reports that Manchester United full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka is being looked at as a potential loan signing from the Red Devils.
Up front, Vieira already has Christian Benteke, Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta fighting for a place in the starting XI, though with none of the trio managing to hold down a consistent starting berth for the Frenchman there could be an opportunity for another striker to join the club’s ranks.
There is also interest in signing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who was named on West Bromwich Albion’s list of released players following the expiry of his contract at The Hawthorns. The England international has been said to be in talks over a five-year deal at Selhurst Park and would provide competition for the number one jersey with Spaniard Vicente Guaita.
