Joe Aribo return made clear at Rangers after Martin and Aarons reunion
Rangers this week confirmed the arrival of Max Aarons, who will now reunite with a familiar face in Glasgow.
Aarons has joined on loan from Bournemouth, and he will link up with Russell Martin, having briefly played together in the latter stages of his career at Norwich City.
Rangers are aiming to reinforce their squad this summer, and could now bring back another former player with whom Martin is also familiar.
Nicolas Raskin has been linked with an exit, and former hero Joe Aribo has now been touted as a midfield replacement.
Aribo not in line for Rangers return
Aribo wrote himself into Rangers history when he scored against Frankfurt in the Europa League final before moving to Southampton.
After initially struggling, he found his form under Martin last season and appears ready to follow him out of St Mary’s.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 149 | 26 | 25 |
However, despite links, it has now ben reported by Nigerian outlet PUNCH Sports Extra’s print edition (26 June) that Rangers are not keen on bringing Aribo back despite his promising progress under Martin.
The 28-year-old made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring three goals, but a move to Glasgow does not appear to be on the cards.
Rangers reunions at Ibrox this summer
Martin’s appointment meant he returned to Ibrox having spent half a season on loan at Rangers in 2018, but it was far from his best spell at the end of his career.
The former defender played alongside Aarons in a few under-21 games at Norwich, with Martin dropped to the reserves to build up his fitness after injury while the fullback was breaking into the team.
Martin was the manager to get the best out of Aribo at Southampton, and his teammate Aaron Ramsdale has also been linked with a shock move to Rangers to reunite with Martin.
While signing players from Southampton cannot be ruled out, Aribo is unlikely to be one of them, and Rangers may have their eye on different midfield targets if Raskin leaves.
Martin was appointed ahead of Davide Ancelotti, who was rumoured to be keen on bringing Real Madrid players with him to Ibrox, and fans were unhappy at the decision to appoint the Englishman instead.
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