Rangers are set to demand at least £20m for Nigeria international Emmanuel Fernandez as interest in the defender grows ahead of the summer transfer window, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Scottish Premiership club are understood to be open to selling the 24-year-old but will only consider offers that meet their valuation, following an impressive debut season at Ibrox.
Reports from Football Insider indicate that several Premier League sides are monitoring his situation, with Arsenal and West Ham United among those linked with a move.
“Rangers are set to demand at least £20million for key man Emmanuel Fernandez this summer as numerous Premier League clubs eye a move for his services,” Football Insider reported.
Fernandez, who joined Rangers last summer, has quickly become a central figure in the team despite early doubts over his signing. His performances in defence have been key to the club’s return to the title race after a slow start to the campaign.
In addition to his defensive work, the centre-back has contributed six goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.
Rangers’ position on a potential transfer could, however, depend on the outcome of their season.
The club are expected to be reluctant to sanction his departure if they secure the league title and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Fernandez’s form has also drawn attention from across Europe, with Ajax reportedly joining Arsenal and West Ham in tracking his progress.
It remains unclear whether interested clubs will meet Rangers’ asking price, particularly as the defender has only completed one full season at top-flight level and is yet to feature in European competitions.
At the international level, Fernandez’s rise has continued. He recently received his first call-up to the Nigeria national team, making his debut against Iran before scoring his first international goal in a subsequent appearance against Jordan.
His performances over the course of the campaign have also earned him recognition with a place in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season, further underlining his growing reputation.
