Arsenal step up their quest for Nigerian defender Fernandez in desperate search for title

ENGLISH Premier League giants Arsenal have joined the ranks of clubsides looking to sign Nigerian centreback Emmanuel Fernandez currently setting the Scottish Premiership alight at Glasgow Rangers.

Fernandez, 24,  joined Rangers from Peterborough United during the last summer transfer window in a deal reportedly worth around £3m. Peterborough's director of football Barry Fry believes Rangers could command a transfer fee of at least £30m for the defender following his impressive start to life at Ibrox.

Over recent weeks, Fernandez's form has been brilliant and as a result, several of Europe’s top clubs have begun watching him. Apparently, Rangers are open to selling the defender but will demand around €40m from suitors and Arsenal, who are desperate to shore up their squad as they keep failing to win the league, may make a move for the youngster.

According to online sports portal TEAMtalk, Arsenal are ahead in the race for Fernandez, with Chelsea, West Ham United and Everton also in the mix. Constantly losing out on the English Premier League due to not having enough squad depth, Arsenal are once again facing the threat of being beaten to the title by Manchester City.

Realising how limited their defensive depth is, Arsenal see Fernandez  as a new addition required to join last year's signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie. Fernandez, a towering defender, standing at 6 feet 5 inches, is someone several English clubs admire due to his prowess in the air and overall defensive game.

Moving south to join an English Premier League club, would be a great move for Fernandez at this stage of his career. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, has already assured Fernandez that whatever happens, he is on his radar for the next Super Eagles squad and is likely to feature in the Unity Cup, taking place in London later this month.