Rangers caught up in Wolves transfer merry-go-round as update shared on four deals
Rangers’ chances of signing a new striker before the end of the winter window may have received a blow.
Rangers have tried to recruit Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi but that is proving to be a difficult deal.
The German third-tier side have been the subject of repeated bids from Rangers, the last of which was rejected for £3.1million.
As a result, Rangers have looked to Southampton’s Cameron Archer, despite him having an underwhelming season for the struggling south coast outfit.
But it seems there may be a spanner in the works for Rangers’ pursuit as well before the winter window shuts on 2 February.
Rangers victims of transfer ripple effect with Cameron Archer
Rangers, who sit second in the Scottish Premiership behind leaders Hearts, are seeking their first league title since 2021.
To do that, though, they arguably need more firepower, with Rangers scoring 37 goals in 23 matches – a tally bettered by Hearts, third-placed Celtic, and fifth-placed Hibernian.
After seemingly missing out on Naderi for now, Southampton striker Archer is very much on their radar. But Danny Rohl’s team may be left disappointed again following an update from talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.
He stated on Sunday afternoon that Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta is nearing a move to AC Milan, which would allow the Eagles to move for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen.
If that comes to pass, that could pave the way for Premier League basement side Wolves to recruit Southampton number nine Adam Armstrong, who has scored 11 goals this season in the Championship.
If that happens, Archer’s move to Ibrox would be “in doubt” as Saints would be short of attacking options without Armstrong.
Is Archer the right man for Rangers’ attack?
In years gone by, many would pigeonhole former Aston Villa academy player Archer as someone who is too good for the Championship but not good enough for the Premier League.
The 24-year-old scored seven goals in 20 appearances while on loan at Preston in 2022 and a further 11 goals in 20 games the following season at Middlesbrough.
But a return of six goals in 74 Premier League games highlights his troubles in stepping up in the English top-flight.
However, with Southampton sitting 14th in the Championship this term, Archer has scored just twice in 19 matches, although he has often been a substitute.
As highlighted by the Sofascore graphic above, Archer is also not a player who creates a great amount of chances.
The previous time Saints were relegated, they went on to secure an immediate return to the Premier League in 2024 after triumphing in the play-off final against Leeds United, highlighting how they are finding it much harder this time round.
Therefore, would it be worth Rangers’ while to pursue Archer in his current form? Regardless of that, it may be out of their hands anyway.
Stay up to date this winter with our Rangers transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Ibrox, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.