Super Eagles transfer: 3 reasons Fernandez could still join Arteta’s Arsenal this summer

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez could still earn a dream move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old centre-back enjoyed an outstanding season with Rangers which has reportedly placed him on the radar of a few top European clubs. Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord, Galatasaray, and French club Rennes are some of the clubs who have penned down the name of the Nigerian defender on their wishlist.

Fernandez only joined Rangers from Peterborough United last summer in a deal worth around £3.5 million, but after a difficult start in Glasgow, he established himself as arguably the club’s most dependable defender. His rapid rise has also strengthened his reputation with Nigeria, as he made his Super Eagles debut in March and scored on his first start

Speaking to Record Sport via BestBettingSites.co.uk, Smith admitted Arsenal’s reported interest is understandable because of Fernandez’s development over the past year.

“That keeps popping up. Maybe they’ve had a good look at him, the analytics and all the rest of it, seen his figures,” Smith said.

The former Arsenal forward also reflected on Fernandez’s unusual journey to the top.

“He’s had a really topsy-turvy career. He’s been all over the place, non-league, hasn’t he?”

Smith believes the Rangers defender has shown enough progress to attract elite clubs, even if the next move would represent the biggest challenge of his career.

“And it’s only in the last year or so that he’s come into what you would call, well, obviously, a very big football club in Rangers. And clearly, he’s done well.”He’s 24 now. So after that checkered start to his football career, maybe he’s ready, but a heck of a step up to go to a club like Arsenal.”

Fernandez has previously insisted he is not in a hurry to leave Rangers, but growing interest from across Europe means his future is likely to remain in the rumour mills for some more time.

Arsenal searching for defensive answers after Saliba setback

Arsenal’s interest in another central defender comes at an important time for Mikel Arteta.

The club’s defensive planning changed significantly after William Saliba suffered a serious back fracture while representing France in the World Cup semi-final against Spain. Although recent medical reports suggest surgery may no longer be necessary, the French defender is still expected to miss the start of the new season.

Arsenal will reportedly receive more than £4 million in FIFA compensation because of the injury. With Polish defender Jakub Kiwior also leaving the club after completing a permanent transfer to Porto, the Gunners must react by strengthening their squad.

Ecuador international Piero Hincapié has completed a permanent move from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around €40 million. Ben White is making encouraging progress after medial knee ligament surgery and is expected to return during pre-season. Jurrien Timber has recovered from the groin injury that ruled him out of the World Cup with the Netherlands and should also be available before the new campaign begins.

Gabriel Magalhães and Cristhian Mosquera are recovering from adductor and ankle injuries respectively, although both remain part of Arsenal’s long-term plans.

Despite those returning players, Arsenal continue to explore the market. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has reportedly emerged as a leading target because of his Premier League experience, while England international John Stones has also been linked as a possible free-transfer option. The club has also monitored Real Sociedad’s Jon Martin and Maxence Lacroix as Arteta looks to build enough depth to compete in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Reasons Fernandez could be an ideal Arsenal signing

Fernandez’s qualities appear to match many of the attributes Arteta demands from his defenders.

The first is his outstanding physical profile. Standing 1.98 metres (6ft 6in) tall, Fernandez is an imposing centre-back. His height and strength allow him to dominate aerial battles in both penalty areas, making him valuable when defending crosses and attacking set-pieces.

Arsenal’s defensive unit was the best in England last season as the club powered to a first league title in 22 years. Arteta will be keen to reinforce his solid wall by relying on physically dominant defenders, and Fernandez fits that profile perfectly.

The second reason is his composure with the ball. Modern Arsenal defenders are expected to help build attacks from deep instead of simply clearing danger. During his breakthrough campaign at Rangers, Fernandez showed exactly that ability by recording a remarkable 92 percent passing accuracy in the UEFA Europa League. He regularly stepped into midfield, broke opposition pressing lines and started attacking moves, qualities that closely resemble the roles performed by Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.

The third reason is his threat from set-pieces. Arsenal have become one of Europe’s most dangerous teams from corners and free-kicks under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. Fernandez would add another major weapon. The Nigerian defender scored five goals in 27 league appearances for Rangers and also found the net on his first international start for Nigeria. His timing, movement and aerial power could make Arsenal even more dangerous during dead-ball situations.

Another factor working in Fernandez’s favour is his background. Born in London before developing through English football with Peterborough United, he already understands the demands of the English game. Combined with his impressive rise at Rangers and growing international experience with Nigeria, those qualities explain why Arsenal continue to monitor him closely.

Whether Arsenal make a formal move remains to be seen, but with Saliba facing time on the sidelines and Arteta determined to strengthen his defence, Fernandez’s name is unlikely to disappear from the transfer conversation any time soon.