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Premier League giants Arsenal have moved into pole position in the race to sign Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez, Footynaija reports.
The Gunners are closely tracking the Nigerian centre-back ahead of a possible summer deal worth up to £35m (approx. 63.88bn) as per TeamTalk.
The 24-year-old has caught the attention of several top clubs after a strong season with Rangers, turning early struggles into a campaign that has significantly raised his profile.
Fernandez initially found it difficult to settle following his move from Peterborough United, featuring sparingly in the opening weeks of the Scottish Premiership season.
CB – Emmanuel Fernandez – 22 Appearances, 5G/0A
— Kai Watson (@KaiGWatson) April 19, 2026
Considering how he started the season, either on the bench or looking shakey, no one would’ve predicted this.
Fernandez has been huge in Rangers defensive improvements and is a huge set-piece threat. pic.twitter.com/zMKXTN7ekI
But his fortunes changed under head coach Danny Röhl, as he grew into a reliable and commanding presence at the heart of defence. His performances earned him a place in the league’s Team of the Season.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Fernandez has impressed with both his defensive strength and attacking threat, contributing six goals while maintaining strong duel success rates. His ability on the ball has also stood out, with high passing accuracy and confidence when carrying possession forward.
Arsenal’s interest reflects a desire to strengthen their defensive options, even with established figures such as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães currently leading the back line under manager Mikel Arteta. The club are believed to be assessing long-term depth, particularly with the demands of competing across multiple competitions.
🚨🆕 #RangersFC
— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) March 25, 2026
Everton are monitoring Emmanuel Fernandez, with Rangers demanding €40M.
🇩🇪 Borussia Dortmund & Bayer Leverkusen → monitoring from Germany.
🏴 Arsenal & West Ham → showing Premier League interest. https://t.co/t9b0uPoOAP pic.twitter.com/BbVWli7vgV
However, the Gunners are not alone in the pursuit. Chelsea, West Ham United and Everton are all monitoring the situation, while interest from Europe remains strong. Clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have been linked, alongside Ajax, Feyenoord and Club Brugge.
Rangers are preparing for serious interest and are expected to demand a fee between £25m and £35m, with Fernandez still under contract for three more years. That strong negotiating position gives the Scottish club control over any potential move.
