Arsenal are weighing up a summer move for Emmanuel Fernandez, with Rangers set to demand a club-record fee for the Nigerian defender.

As Arsenal looks to bolster its roster ahead of the upcoming season, Fernandez’s recent outstanding play has drawn interest from several elite European clubs.

Rangers are reportedly willing to sell the 24-year-old, but they want to maximise his worth because of how important he is to the team.

Rangers could seek up to £40 million for the centre back if they approve a deal, according to a GiveMeSport report.

“A fee in the region of £30m to £40m would make Fernandez the most expensive Rangers sale ever, surpassing Calvin Bassey’s £19.6m move to Fulham in 2022,” the report stated.

READ ALSO:

After joining Ajax for £19.6 million in the summer of 2022, Bassey presently holds the record for Rangers’ most expensive transaction. After leaving Ajax in 2023 for €21 million, the defender currently plays for Fulham.

Fernandez is one of several defensive targets that Arsenal has identified, and the team is expected to thoroughly consider their choices.

Even if the London team knows how much the player is worth, they could have to pay Rangers what they want if they want to sign him in the face of increasing competition.

Meanwhile, Rangers must decide whether to keep a vital player or take advantage of his growing market value.

The defender just made his Nigerian debut in a 2-1 friendly victory against Iran in Antalya, Turkey. He replaced Semi Ajayi at halftime and played calmly as the squad hung on to win.

If Arsenal wants to sign Fernandez before other teams enter the race, they may need to move quickly as interest grows and the transfer market becomes more competitive.