The Saints may have beaten a host of Premier League rivals to the signing of one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers over the last year

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Ayodele Aribo has taken a while step closer to fulfilling his childhood dreams as Southampton edge closer to signing the Glasgow Rangers star.

According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, Southampton’s next priority signing is Joe Aribo after completing the £12 million move for Manchester City’s Romeo Lavia.

Fabrizio even suggests that the deal for the versatile Nigerian midfielder is “done and set to be sealed”, with an official announcement expected in the coming hours.

The Premier League awaits Aribo

After three years in Scotland, it appears the perfect time for Joe Aribo to step up to the Premier League, one of the world’s most-followed championships.

The Nigeria international was a dominant feature as Rangers brilliantly finished runners-up in the Europa League and scooped the Scottish Cup.

Aribo, playing as a false nine, scored Rangers’ only goal in the European final against eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.

Remarkably, the Nigerian international was also the only footballer who made 70 appearances for club and country during the 2021-22 campaign.

And it was no surprise to see several Premier League clubs join the race to secure his signature.

Nottingham Forest, Fulham, and Crystal Palace were all linked to a midfielder who registered 26 goals and 25 assists in 146 appearances for Rangers.

Southampton have, however, beaten their rivals to the Nigerian, with the Saints reportedly coughing out £6m (approximately N3 billion) plus add-ons to Rangers for the former Charlton Athletic man.