Former England and Arsenal striker Alan Smith has questioned the Gunners’ reported transfer interest in highly sought-after Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of summer window, Footynaija.com reports.
Fernandez has really come into his own since moving from Peterborough to Rangers last summer, with an impressive debut campaign in Glasgow turning the heads of top clubs from the Premier League as well as elsewhere in Europe.
Arsenal are reportedly one of the teams interested in securing the Nigeria international’s signature this summer with fellow London clubs Chelsea and West Ham United also thought to be in the mix.
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Reacting to talks of a potential move to North London, Smith appeared to be genuinely perplexed by the rationale behind such a move given the Gunners’ stock-pile of versatile and defensive capable defensive options.
“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, [Jurrien] Timber can play in the middle; plus they’ve got [Cristhian] Mosquera, so they’ve got good cover in the middle.”
While it is looking likely that Fernandez will be on the move this summer, there are no guarantees about his potential next destination as interested clubs have yet to make a formal approach.
For their part, Rangers are in no rush to part ways with the Nigerian defender, with head coach Danny Rohl recently reiterating his importance to the club’s plans.
