Two reasons Emmanuel Fernandez remains on Arsenal’s radar

Arsenal’s interest in Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez may have gone up a notch as the Premier League champions continue to monitor the Nigerian centre-back, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the last two years, going from lower-league football in England to becoming one of Rangers’ most important players and a regular name in the Nigerian National team.

His impressive debut campaign at Ibrox has not gone unnoticed, with clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyenoord, and Rennes have all registered interest. Arsenal, however, remain one of the most intriguing admirers.

Sky Sports commentator and former Arsenal player Alan Smith. Copyright: ImagoxGrahamxHunt

Former Gunners striker Alan Smith recently admitted that the links “keep popping up”, suggesting there is keen interest from the North London club.

“Maybe they’ve had a good look at him, the analytics and all the rest of it, seen his figures,” Smith told BestBettingSites.co.uk as revealed by the Daily Record.

While Smith acknowledged that a move to Arsenal would represent “a heck of a step up”, he also suggested Fernandez may finally be ready for a return to England, especially top-flight football.

Two reasons Arsenal want Emmanuel Fernandez

1. His unique development curve suggests there is still more to come

Unlike many defenders attracting attention from elite clubs, Fernandez has not followed the traditional pathway.

Emmanuel Fernandez. Copyright: xFotoxOlimpikx IMAGO

His journey has been anything but straightforward, as he had spells in non-league football with Gillingham and Sheppey United before eventually earning opportunities higher up the pyramid.

Smith highlighted the defender’s unusual trajectory.

“He’s had a really topsy-turvy career. He’s been all over the place, non-league, hasn’t he? And it’s only in the last year or so that he’s come into what you would call, well, obviously, a very big football club in Rangers.”

That unconventional path could actually work in Fernandez’s favour. At 24, many defenders are already approaching their peak years.

However, Fernandez appears to be developing later than most, meaning his ceiling may still be significantly higher than what he has already shown.

His first season at Rangers saw him establish himself as a regular starter while also contributing six goals in 33 appearances across all competitions. His physical presence, aerial dominance, and ability to play out from the back make him an attractive proposition for the kind of football Mikel Arteta likes.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Photo by IMAGO

Arsenal have previously shown a willingness to invest in players who possess significant room for development, with William Saliba being proof of that, and Fernandez’s rapid improvement suggests there may be even more to come.

2. Arsenal values distinct profiles

Modern recruitment is increasingly driven by data and specific player profiles rather than reputation alone.

Smith’s comments about Arsenal potentially studying Fernandez’s analytics are telling. The former Peterborough defender possesses many of the qualities Mikel Arteta values in his defenders, and his ability to score goals from set-pieces also adds another dimension to his game, a niche Gabriel has carved out for himself.

More importantly, he has already demonstrated his ability to cope with pressure.

Playing for Rangers comes with enormous expectations, and Fernandez adapted impressively after initially taking time to settle in Scotland.

Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers. Copyright: ImagoxAlexxToddx

The Gunners are also aware that squad depth is important as they attempt to defend their Premier League title while competing in the UEFA Champions League.

Fernandez may not immediately walk into Arsenal’s starting XI, but his profile makes him an intriguing long-term option.

Smith believes the defender may finally be ready for a bigger stage.

“Maybe he’s ready, but a heck of a step up to go to a club like Arsenal.”

A move to the Emirates would undoubtedly represent the biggest challenge of Fernandez’s career. However, his career has been defined by consistently proving doubters wrong.