Rangers transfer budget plan emerges as Arsenal compensation fee for exit-bound defender
Rangers aren’t likely to make a move to sign Reuell Walters unless they get rid of a right-back, according to the Daily Record.
The paper reported on their website on 4 June that while the Light Blues intend to maintain a “watching brief” on the teenage defender they do not intend to make an offer to sign him at this stage because Philippe Clement and his hierarchy are directing their funds towards other positions.
Walters is leaving Arsenal without making a senior appearance but the Premier League club would reportedly be due around £350,000 in compensation, so while Rangers are said to be interested in him they want to save their money for other moves.
The Scotsman reported on 3 June that Walters is due to depart the London side after rejecting the offer of a new contract.
Rangers ready to move on from James Tavernier?
While there is a difference between a left and right-sided centre-back it seems strange to hold back on a defensive target who is primarily a central defender on the basis of the picture at right-back.
There is only one obvious right-back in the senior squad at Ibrox, the not-insignificant figure of captain James Tavernier.
Dujon Sterling may be listed as a defender and was previously seen as a right-back, but featured for Clement virtually everywhere but that position last term as he filled in as a left-back, centre-back, winger, and impressed most as a central midfielder.
So unless Rangers are waiting for an outcome in terms of Saudi links to the skipper their position would suggest they aren’t looking to move for Walters this summer.
The Light Blues made an early push to sign Jose Cordoba before the deal collapsed late on, while completing a move for left-back Jefte and re-signing Leon Balogun.
So there is clearly a focus on the defence at Ibrox this summer already, but even though central options could be leaving the club they apparently aren’t ready to step forward for the 19-year-old who is on his way out of Arsenal.
In other Rangers news, developments at a rival could mean a star signing is now set to arrive at Ibrox.
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