Gerrard targets reunion with Rangers star Joe Aribo as Aston Villa transfer could cost ‘less than £10m’

Steven Gerrard is reportedly keen for Aston Villa to make a summer move for Rangers star Joe Aribo.

Aribo has had an influential campaign in Glasgow, with 13 goal contributions from 34 league games. The Nigerian midfielder has also featured 16 times in the Europa League, helping Gers to their first European final since 2008. However, his fine form has attracted interest from elsewhere, with three Premier League clubs reportedly interested.

According to The Sun, Aston Villa, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all monitoring the situation closely regarding Aribo’s transfer status.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season. Despite Rangers being keen to keep hold of their man, attempts to secure a new deal for Aribo at Ibrox have failed so far.

This could force Rangers’ hand into agreeing a cheaper fee for the midfielder this summer. The report adds that while Rangers are hopeful his performances will drive the price up, they could settle for less than £10m.

Aribo’s ability to play anywhere on the pitch has made him one of the most important players in Glasgow this season.

A deep-lying midfielder by trade, Gers boss Giovanni Van Bronckhorst hasn’t been afraid to test his talents elsewhere on the field.

In the Europa League semi-final second-leg against RB Leipzig, Aribo featured as a centre-forward throughout the first-half.

And this diversity is exactly what Gerrard’s squad is looking for. Villa are reportedly on the hunt for a number of midfielders and wingers throughout the summer window.

Aribo to be a second reunion for Steven Gerrard?

Earlier this week, it was announced that Philippe Coutinho had completed a permanent move to Villa Park.

The Brazilian playmaker spent some time playing alongside Gerrard in the red of Liverpool.

And a move for Aribo would mean a second summer reunion for the 41-year-old boss.

Aribo shared a close relationship with Gerrard at Ibrox last season. He was a key figure in securing the Scottish league title for the Gers.

Having signed for Rangers in 2019, Gerrard was a huge fan of the South London-born star when managing in Scotland.

And for a potential bargain price, it would be no surprise to see Gerrard make a move to link again inside the Premier League.

READ MORE: Aston Villa transfer latest: Joe Gomez move given green light as pundit explains big reason for exit