Rangers scout Fluminense midfielder Jhon Arias, January transfer on cards
Rangers are one of seven clubs to have scouted Fluminense and Colombia midfielder Jhon Arias, according to TEAMtalk.
The publication reported on its website on Tuesday (31 October) that the 26-year-old could be available in the January transfer window.
Arias, who has 10 caps for Colombia, registered nine goals and 13 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions for Fluminense in 2023.
“We understand Crystal Palace, West Ham, Burnley, Wolves, Leicester, Leeds and Scottish giants Rangers have all checked on Arias,” according to TEAMtalk.
“The midfielder is under contract with Fluminense until 2026, though could be available for transfer in January.”
Let battle commence
This may just be the first major transfer test that new Gers boss Philippe Clement has to deal with since taking over from Michael Beale.
The latter’s struggles in that area have been well documented, with the former Gers boss bringing nine players to Ibrox in the summer transfer window.
The majority of those players have had little impact so far, with perhaps only Abdallah Sima and Jack Butland shining in Glasgow.
The poor recruitment played a major part in Beale’s sacking earlier this month, with new manager Clement determined not to make similar mistakes.
Arias could potentially set Ibrox alight, but it remains to be seen just how close Rangers can get to his signature given the long list of clubs showing interest.
The player may be settled in Brazil, but his head could be turned amid the interest from the Scottish giants and indeed English Premier League sides such as West Ham and Crystal Palace.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart has slammed a Gers man who “couldn’t lace” the boots of a player that Clement admires.