Steven Gerrard's Rangers have been linked with Heerenveen ace Joey Veerman recently and should the Dutch midfielder make the move to Ibrox this summer, he could prove to be their next Mikel Arteta.

According to Dutch news outlet Voetbal, Rangers are keen on signing the 22-year-old this summer after another impressive campaign in the Eredivisie.

They suggest that Rangers, Stade Reims, PSV and Atalanta are all monitoring Veerman ahead of next season, whilst Southampton and Feyenoord and Club Brugge have also been linked with him in the past.

So far this season, the midfield orchestrator has contributed seven goals and nine assists in 28 Eredivisie appearances, resulting in a superb 7.47 average rating, whilst he also has two goals in the KNVB Cup, taking his overall goals and assists tally to 18, an excellent return from a midfielder.

WhoScored lists some of Veerman's strengths as his passing, dribbling, long shots and set-piece ability, which immediately marks him out as someone who could play a role similar to the one Arteta did during his time at the club.

The current Arsenal boss joined Rangers from Barcelona in 2002 and spent two years at Ibrox before moving to Real Sociedad, before later spending time in the Premier League with Everton and Arsenal.

During his time at the club, Arteta would manage 50 league appearances, in which he scored 12 goals, including some spectacular free-kicks.

Unsurprisingly for a Spanish midfielder, he was extremely talented on the ball and kept possession well but also pushed forward and was dangerous in attack.

Other than Joe Aribo, who has regularly featured on the right-wing, Rangers have arguably been low on goals from midfield this season, with Glen Kamara, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield scoring just five league goals between them this season.

Veerman, who would likely cost around £8.5m, could offer that midfield threat, whilst he is also renowned for his ability in possession, with former Rangers man Michael Mols singing his praises recently, saying:

“He is perfect with the ball and in possession, he’s a really great player. His passing and movement with the ball is really relaxed in a good way."

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Therefore, Ross Wilson should definitely look to bring Veerman to Ibrox this summer as if he is anywhere near the player Arteta turned out to be, he will be a very good signing indeed.

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