It's growing increasingly apparent that Glasgow Rangers may struggle to stop Joe Aribo from heading for the Ibrox exit, but Steven Gerrard simply can't afford to lose one of his key men, if recent reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, Rangers face a fight to keep the midfielder as he has attracted attention from all over Europe.

Aribo is enjoying a prolific spell in the Premiership so far this season, having fired in four goals in seven games in the Scottish top flight.

It's claimed that other European clubs have begun to take notice of the 4-cap Nigeria international a lot more, with the outlet suggesting that several sides south of the border have registered their interest as well.

The report adds that the Ibrox outfit believe they are confident of keeping him for the foreseeable future as his contract will run out in 2023, but they are aware that a potential title-winning season could cause some problems.

Gerrard's nightmare

Whilst Ryan Kent has been linked with a move away from Rangers in recent months, with reports suggesting Leeds United are still interested in signing him despite missing out on his signature in the summer, Aribo's potential departure would be another devastating blow.

Despite missing a large chunk of the start of the season due to injury, he is still a large reason why Gerrard's side are nine points clear of their arch rivals Celtic at the top of the table - he has scored three goals in the past three games in the league, having bagged a brace against Hamilton Academical before the international break.

The Gers signed the 24-year-old for a mere fee of £300,000 from Charlton Athletic on a four-year deal. Since then, he has become an integral part of Gerrard's side, and has played a key role in their success in recent weeks.

It's perhaps no surprise that Gerrard has swooned over the Nigerian midfielder, as he has taken an unconventional route to his career, with the Liverpool legend even saying he is a "fantastic" beast, which is precisely why Wilson can't afford to lose him.

Not only is he an important player on the pitch, he is exactly the sort of calibre the Gers need to bridge the gap to Celtic to stop Neil Lennon's side from winning ten in a row. Aribo, who predominantly plays as an attacking midfielder, can also operate as a centre midfielder and is a vital cog in the middle of the park. He even replaced Ianis Hagi on the right wing in recent weeks.

To coin a phrase from Oscar Wilde, to lose one player may be regarded; to lose both looks like carelessness. Wilson will have his work cut out keeping a hold of both, that's for sure.

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