Rangers facing fight to keep €40m star with Arsenal leading Chelsea in transfer chase

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Suraj Radia | Editor

Rangers will face major interest in star defender Emmanuel Fernandez this summer, with Arsenal reportedly leading the race to sign the giant centre-back.

Fernandez has impressed since his €3 million move from Peterborough last summer and his ability on the ball, combined with aerial prowess at 6 foot 5 inches, has caught the eye of several top clubs across Europe.

That is according to TEAMtalk who claim that the likes of Chelsea, West Ham and Everton are all showing keen interest in Fernandez, although Arsenal are said to ‘lead’ the domestic interest in the 24-year-old.

Bayern Munich had been touted as a potential option but their interest has allegedly cooled, while Dortmund are believed to be ‘strong contenders’ ahead of Bayer Leverkusen.

Rangers are desperate to keep hold of Fernandez and will demand at least £25 million (€28.75m) to sell him, with some sources suggesting they may ask for as much as £35m (€40m.)

The Scottish side could be tempted to sell for a record fee that eclipses the €22.5m fee received from Ajax for Calvin Bassey in 2022 as interest continues to grow in Fernandez.

Fernandez emerges as standout defensive target after Rangers resurgence

Fernandez was the only Rangers player to be named in the PFA Scottish Premiership team of the season this week and he only started one of the club’s first 11 matches under previous manager Russell Martin.

But the Nigerian international has since come on leaps and bounds, having also netted five goals this season and ranking among the best defenders in Scotland since his rise in first team status.

The likes of Club Brugge, Ajax and Feyenoord have also been mentioned as potential suitors for Fernandez and any sale would have to take into account the sell-on clause which entitles Peterborough to a portion of the fee received.

Fernandez has insisted he is settled at Rangers, with three years still remaining on his contract, and a stay with Danny Rohl’s side has not been ruled out but Premier League interest could turn the defender’s head this summer if concrete offers are made.

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