Arsenal transfers: Why Premier League champions could fall short in pursuit of Emmanuel Fernandez

Premier League champions Arsenal could miss out on one of their leading defensive targets this summer following the latest development involving Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with the Nigerian centre-back as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season.

Fernandez has emerged as one of Arsenal’s top targets after an outstanding campaign at Rangers, but they are not alone in the race. Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund and French club Rennes have also been monitoring the 25-year-old.

However, their pursuit has now suffered a setback, with Fernandez increasingly expected to remain at Rangers and play an even bigger role under the club’s new manager.

Emmanuel Fernandez at Rangers. Copyright: ImagoxAlexxToddx

Rangers boss reveals major plan for Fernandez

The Super Eagles defender joined Rangers from Peterborough United last summer and while some questioned the transfer at the time, he quickly proved his critics wrong with a superb debut season.

Fernandez was named Rangers Men’s Player of the Season and also earned a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Season after a string of impressive performances.

Speaking in a recent interview, Rangers head coach Derek McInnes revealed that helping the defender and striker Youssef Chermiti reach another level is one of his priorities this season.

Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers and his team-mates. Picture credit: ImagoxNeil Hanna/Sportimage

“Both of them are relatively young and they came with a lot of expectations on them with the price tag and the kind of profile. I’m pretty sure when you speak to these lads and everybody who signs for Rangers, they should all have that kind of inherent feeling that we’re here to win things and be successful”, McInnes said, via Glasgow World.

“But there’s also, at that age, a development process. I think both lads, at their best last season, showed their real quality. The challenge for them and for me is to get their best more often. When they are on top of their game, both have got so much to offer at both ends of the pitch and hopefully we can see that.”

McInnes also explained the areas where he believes Fernandez can still improve.

“I think individually they’re capable of good moments. As a defender, Manny (Fernandez) has an obvious physical profile. I’ve had good chats with Manny about what he needs to improve on and he agreed, really. He answered my own question. I was going to talk to him about certain things we think we can get more from him this season and what he needs to do to take his game to another level”, he concluded.

How this affects Arsenal’s transfer plans

Arsenal have been considering Fernandez as an important defensive addition as they prepare to defend their Premier League title and challenge for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Arsenal defender William Saliba. © Iconsport

Their search for a centre back became even more urgent after first-choice defender William Saliba suffered an injury at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is expected to miss the opening months of the campaign.

That situation was expected to accelerate Arsenal’s move for Fernandez as they looked to beat other interested clubs to his signature.

However, Rangers’ determination to build their defence around the Super Eagles star makes a transfer increasingly unlikely this summer. The Scottish giants are eager to end Celtic’s dominance and see Fernandez as a key figure in their plans for the new season.

Fernandez has also recently reaffirmed his commitment to Rangers and is determined to help lead the club into a new era under McInnes.

Super Eagles stars Emmanuel Fernandez and Frank Onyeka. Copyright: xAmeenxAhmedx IMAGO

As a result, Arsenal may now have to turn their attention to alternative defensive targets, with Fernandez looking increasingly likely to remain at Ibrox.

If he stays, the Nigerian defender is expected to take on a bigger role for Rangers as he looks to help the club challenge for major honours and win his first piece of silverware next season.