Aribim Pepple breaks silence on summer transfer speculation after Rangers links

Aribim Pepple was a name linked to Rangers in the summer transfer window.

The Bears went into the window keen on bringing a top number nine to the club, and did so before it even opened with the addition of Lawrence Shankland.

The ex-Hearts skipper started strongly at Ibrox, but is now sidelined with what is believed to be a significant hamstring injury that could keep him out until the new year.

Youssef Chermiti's ACL injury also meant the 49ers simply had to buy Derek McInnes another hit-man, as Pepple was a name linked to the Gers this summer.

The Plymouth Argyle forward netted 16 times for the Pilgrims in League One last season, gaining attention from the Gers and other UK clubs.

Pepple has carried on where he left off last season, and after a flying start to the new campaign, he has broken his silence amid interest from Rangers and others.

Aribim Pepple reveals what he was 'surprised' with this summer amid Rangers interest

Rangers knew Plymouth were not looking to sell Pepple, as they also held interest in Lorent Tolaj.

Bristol City ended up signing Tolaj for a high seven-figure fee, but the Pilgrims managed to fend off interest in their other star striker.

The News also reported Rangers' interest in Pepple, along with several EFL Championship clubs, including Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End and Wrexham.

Pepple was recently asked about the speculation and made his response clear.

The 23-year-old said, as quoted by Plymouth Live: "I just took it like a compliment. It just means I was doing something well.

"If you had told me when I signed last year I would be linked to Championship teams or whatever, I would have been very surprised and maybe not even believed you.

"There is always going to be interest if you are scoring goals, but just focused on giving my 100 per cent to this club. Obviously, my agent might say there are bits and pieces, but a lot of it I had no clue."

He also admitted that he wishes to play club football at the highest level possible, while continuing to represent Canada's national team.

He had interest further afield in Europe, with clubs in America also keen.

Do Rangers need another striker in January?

Rangers spent big money on Kevin Kelsy before the window slammed shut, and though their striker situation looks clear for the time being, it could soon become really complicated.

McInnes is keen on playing Kelsy and Ryan Naderi together, while he also trusts Bojan Miovksi's experience when needed off the bench.

Shankland is expected to return before Chermiti, and when he does, it will give McInnes a real headache about who to drop.

Not to mention the predicament he will be in once Chermiti is back.

That said, Rangers will almost certainly opt against signing another striker in the winter, even if Miovski is offloaded.