Patrick Vieira makes Rangers star No 1 summer target for Palace as Conor Gallagher plan is set
Crystal Palace are reportedly gearing up for a summer swoop for Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo amid claims a decision on Conor Gallagher’s future has already been made.
Gallagher, 22 today, is one of several academy stars to have progressed through the ranks at Chelsea in recent years. However, he is arguably the one gaining the most attention as he impresses across London at Selhurst Park.
In fact, Gallagher has proved one of the signings of the season so far by Palace. He has scored seven goals and assisted three others in 19 Premier League matches.
In an ideal world, Palace would love to extend his stay at the club. Be that in a permanent deal or even just another year-long loan from Chelsea.
However, reports claim the Blues have already decided that Gallagher will be a part of Thomas Tuche’s squad next season. And rather than be a bit-part player, Tuchel seemingly wants to integrate the player into their first-team picture.
That will leave the Eagles and Patrick Vieira with a considerable hole to fill.
However, as per The Sun, they are making plans to bring Aribo to south-east London.
Price tag emerges for Gers midfielder
The 25-year-old Nigerian has impressed with six goals and four assists in the Scottish Premiership this season. And his credentials were checked out by Eagles scout Dougie Freedman in midfield as the Gers lost 3-0 to Celtic at Parkhead.
Signing Aribo, who also caught the eye at AFCON, however, will not come cheap.
The paper claims Rangers will demand at least £10m for the former Charlton man.
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But they claim a move back to his native London will appeal for the midfielder.
Aribo made 97 appearances for the Addicks before earning a move to Ibrox in summer 2019.
The Eagles are also reportedly keeping tabs on Celtic’s Liel Abada. The Israeli winger hit his 13th goal of the season on Wednesday to fire the Bhoys to the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers told to cash in on Joe Aribo
As well as Palace, both Aston Villa and Southampton are also keeping tabs on Aribo.
As such, former Gers star Alan Hutton claims Giovani van Bronckhorst’s side will do well to cash in on him while his value is high.
“It will depend on the fee,” he tol Football Insider.
“Rangers got him for a minimal outlay when he came cross-border, so there’ll obviously be a massive profit involved.
“I think when you’re playing at the level he is, playing internationally and on the European stage – there’s always going to be teams looking at you.
“He’s been the standout, especially since Van Bronckhorst has come in. He’s really freed him up in that midfield, and Aribo has responded by taking his game to a new level.
“Gerrard spoke about it a lot when he was in charge. Rangers don’t need to sell, but if the fee is big enough then they will have to take it.”
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