Ex-England striker casts doubts over Fernandez’s Arsenal move

Former Arsenal and Leicester City striker Alan Smith has been left surprised by Arsenal’s interest in Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24-year-old defender has seen his fame topple since moving to Scotland. His career has taken a massive rise, and in the mix of that, he got the opportunity to debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

However, with Arsenal housing Ricardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba and Gabriel, a move for Fernandez makes no sense according to Smith.

Alan Smith casts doubts over Fernandez’s Arsenal move

While the Gunners haven’t tabled an official bid to Rangers, there’s a high chance that Fernandez wouldn’t be at Ibrox next season.

Still, Smith doubts the Emirates will be the destination of the young Super Eagles star.

“I don’t see why they’d need a centre-half anyway,” the 63-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Scotsman.

“Looking at his previous clubs, Spalding United on loan, Peterborough.

“Yes, he’s had a good season at Rangers, but who knows whether he can continue that kind of form at a higher level.

“I’d be surprised if Arsenal went for him given that, [Jurrian] Timber can play in the middle; plus they’ve got [Cristhian] Mosquera, so they’ve got good cover in the middle,” the 13-cap retired England International concluded.

Fernandez has been voted as Rangers’ Men’s player of the Year, and was drafted into the SPFL team of the season.