Rangers eye forward with 9 goals and 13 assists despite £17m claims
Rangers are looking at Fluminense forward Jhon Arias but face competition from Premier League clubs such a West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Wolves.
That is according to TEAMtalk, the publication pointing out that the Liverpool linked Andre Trindade – who only this week explained why he turned down a £26 million summer move to Anfield – is not the only Fluminense player likely to be in high demand during the winter window.
Rangers are keen on 26-year-old Colombia international Jhon Arias.
A speedy, silky right-winger who carries the ball as if it is glued to his foot with military-grade adhesive, Arias has nine goals and 13 assists for Fluminense this term, the Brazilian season running from the spring until December.
Rangers eye Fluminense ace Jhon Arias
Could Arias be the solution to Rangers’ long-running right-wing problems? Possibly, though Philippe Clement’s side face competition from a number of clubs with deeper-pockets from below the border. West Ham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Wolves are interested, as are Championship promotion-chasers Leicester City and Leeds United.
TEAMtalk do not specify how much Fluminense will demand for Arias, who remains under contract until 2026. Reports linking the forward with a move to Ibrox could be quickly dispelled, however, if Portuguese journalist Luis Pinto Coelho is proven correct.
Coelho told Bola na Rede earlier in the year, when Sporting Lisbon were linked, that the Copa Libertadores finalists were looking for £17 million for Arias. A fee which would be well in excess of the sum Rangers are capable of stumping up.
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An Abdallah Sima replacement?
Nonetheless, reports of Rangers’ interest may be an indication that the Glasgow giants are already lining up contingency options if Abdallah Sima’s services cannot be retained. The Brighton loanee is catching the eye of clubs across the continent with his recent form.
Scott Wright is also facing an uncertain future. Rangers accepted an offer from Turkish outfit Pendikspor over the summer.
