Former Scotland midfielder Barry Ferguson believes Nigeria international Joe Aribo is a top midfielder and it is the reason why English Premier League teams like Southampton are interested in his signature.
The Super Eagle had an arguably excellent season with Scottish top-tier side Rangers last season. The Gers reached the final of the Europa League where they played Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
Aribo scored as the teams played out a 1-1 draw in both the regulation and extra time before the German outfit won 5-4 in the ensuing penalty shootout. However, the versatile Nigerian played a vital role as his team claimed the Scottish Cup.
The 25-year-old is into the final 12 months of his contract and his current club might consider selling him instead of letting him leave on a free transfer.
Ferguson admitted the exit rumours are a worry for the fans but there is also a financial aspect to consider.
The former Birmingham star told Go Radio as quoted by Glasgow Live:
I can see why they [Southampton] are interested in him.
He [Aribo] has grown into a top midfielder with some of his performances. He is a top level player and there’s been a number of clubs linked.
That will be a worry for the Rangers fans but money talks. But if that valuation is met and he doesn’t want to commit to Rangers, they might need to do business.
I would like to think they are trying to get him on a longer term contract.
Aribo played 70 matches last season, becoming the only player in Europe’s top divisions to reach the mark in a single season.
