Rangers place hefty price tag on key man as Premier League links intensify

West Ham United F.C. and Arsenal F.C. are among several clubs showing interest in Rangers F.C. defender Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of the summer transfer window.

Reports suggest that any interested side will need to offer more than £20 million to even tempt Rangers into negotiations, highlighting how highly the club rates the centre-back.

The Light Blues are already planning for next season while continuing their push for the Scottish Premiership title, currently sitting just one point behind leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C.. Fernandez has emerged as one of their standout performers since arriving from Peterborough United F.C. last summer.

The 24-year-old has impressed at both ends of the pitch and earned a place in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Season, further boosting his growing reputation.

Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke believes Rangers will demand a “massive” fee to consider selling, especially as they look to build their squad around Fernandez. The club sees potential qualification for European competition as a key factor in convincing him to stay.

Fernandez has become a regular under Danny Röhl and has also broken into the Nigerian national team setup, underlining his rapid development. His form has naturally attracted attention from Premier League sides as well as clubs in Germany.

Meanwhile, Rangers could be open to offloading Óscar Cortés on a permanent basis. The winger has struggled for consistency since joining from RC Lens and has spent time out on loan, with both player and club seemingly ready to part ways.