A perfect opportunity for Rangers FC to leapfrog Celtic and Heart in the Scottish Premiership, as the English club plot a big move to sign Rangers’ “incredible” star.

Record sale on as Arsenal plot move to sign “unbelievable” Rangers star

Rangers are now bracing themselves for major interest in Emmanuel Fernandez this summer, with the 49ers set to demand a club-record fee to sell the defender.

Rangers braced for Arsenal interest in Fernandez

It’s a big summer at Ibrox for many reasons. It’s the first summer transfer window that Danny Rohl has to truly make his mark on Ibrox and it’s also the perfect chance to jump ahead of Celtic and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

Had the German been in charge all season, the title race might have looked a lot different right now. As it is, however, the Gers are just one point behind Hearts and two points above Celtic with five games left to play. The Scottish Premiership is set for the most dramatic conclusion possible.

It’s never an easy run for any side after the split in Scotland, but Celtic will be pleased to be welcoming their rivals rather than travelling to tough away grounds.

Rangers, meanwhile, could decide the title in the space of two weeks against Hearts then in the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park. It would be a sensational way to complete their comeback and, for some players, potentially the best way to sign off.

Club captain James Tavernier already looks likely to head for the exit door as a free agent, and he could yet be joined by another important defender.

According to TeamTalk, Rangers are bracing themselves for major interest in Fernandez and the 49ers are set to demand a club-record £25m fee to sell the defender this summer. That would mark a £22m rise in the initial fee they signed him for.

That would not be a problem for a side like Arsenal, though. The Gunners are plotting a move to sign the impressive central defender and even if a deal reaches as much as £35m, it would be a simple bid to match for the Premier League giants.

Rangers should cash in on Fernandez

After a difficult start to life at Ibrox, Fernandes has become a mainstay ever since the arrival of Rohl. The former Peteborough defender has started seven of the last eight Scottish Premiership games, having started 13 of the previous 15 before that. In the space of six months, he has become a crucial player at Ibrox.

Alas, everyone’s got a price. If a club-record offer arrives in the summer, Rangers should cash in on the 24-year-old and use that money to build a dominant title-winning squad in Glasgow.

Whilst Fernandez has earned praise from the likes of Kai Watson, who dubbed the defender “unbelievable”, a £25m+ fee would be too good to turn down for the 49ers.

*Record sale on as Arsenal plot move to sign “unbelievable” Rangers star*

Arsenal are preparing a club-record move for Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, with Ibrox chiefs braced for a £35million bid that would smash the Scottish club’s all-time sales record. The Gunners have made the 24-year-old Nigeria international their leading defensive target for the summer window, and sources say sporting director Andrea Berta is “leading the race” for a player being compared to Virgil van Dijk.

*Who is Emmanuel Fernandez?*

Fernandez only arrived at Ibrox last summer from Peterborough United for around £3.5m, but his rise has been meteoric. Standing 6ft 4in, the 24-year-old has become a “commanding presence” in Danny Rohl’s backline, blending aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and a genuine goal threat from set-pieces. He’s already netted five times in 22 appearances and was named Rangers’ Player of the Month for January. His form has been pivotal in Rangers’ resurgence under Rohl, cutting the gap to league leaders Hearts to just two points after a huge 4-2 win.

Manager Rohl calls Fernandez a “role model for the club’s development strategy” and is desperate to keep him for at least another season. But Rangers hold significant bargaining power: Fernandez is tied to a long-term contract until 2029, and the club view him as a “cornerstone of their future plans”.

*Why Arsenal want him*

Mikel Arteta values set-piece play, and Fernandez has become a threat inside the opponent’s box – something Arsenal were “particularly drawn to”. Scouts from Arsenal and Chelsea were among the first to register serious interest earlier in the season, dispatching observers to monitor Fernandez. TEAMtalk revealed Arsenal could be preparing to “sanction a record-breaking fee” to secure one of the Scottish Premiership’s most commanding emerging talents.

The Gunners see Fernandez as ideal competition and cover for Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba. At 6ft 4in, he offers authority in aerial duels and composure in possession. His ability to contribute offensively from set-pieces “only enhances his profile”. Given Arsenal’s focus on young, high-ceiling defenders, the 24-year-old fits perfectly.

*Record-breaking figures*

Rangers are reportedly set to demand at least £25m, with some sources suggesting a higher valuation up to £35m. That figure would eclipse Ryan Naderi’s €5.5m move from Hansa Rostock earlier this year, which was then the biggest transfer in Hansa’s history and a 3. Liga record. For Rangers, a £35m sale would be a “huge total” and more than 10x their initial outlay.

Peterborough also have a sell-on clause attached to any deal, which will drive Rangers’ asking price upwards. Despite that, Rangers are “ready to rebuff any approach below their valuation”.

*The competition*

Arsenal aren’t alone. Chelsea have also shown keen interest, while West Ham United are actively linked and could make a concrete approach. Everton complete a notable Premier League contingent keeping tabs. In Europe, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen registered strong admiration early, with Dortmund seen as strong contenders. Bayern Munich have been made aware, and Club Brugge are the latest name linked.

All Nigeria Soccer reported Fernandez has emerged as a “surprise transfer target for both Arsenal and Chelsea” and has been likened to Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk “in terms of his style of play”.

*Rangers’ stance: reluctant but realistic*

Rohl is “determined to retain the colossus” amid domestic title challenges and European competition. Yet the Ibrox hierarchy could be “tempted to cash in on their shrewd investment” should a substantial bid arrive. With Fernandez open to a move to Germany and now on the radar of England’s elite, Rangers know keeping him beyond this summer may be impossible.

Born in London but eligible for Nigeria, Fernandez earned a Super Eagles call-up in March 2026, further increasing his market value. For Arsenal, landing the “unbelievable” defender would be a statement signing – but it will take a record fee to make it happen.

If the £35m move materialises, it won’t just be a record sale for Rangers. It’ll be confirmation that Ibrox is once again a breeding ground for Premier League-ready talent.