NafisaThe summer transfer battle between Rangers and Celtic has exploded into life, and before the two Glasgow rivals even meet on the pitch this season, they are already locked in a fierce fight behind the scenes.
With both clubs eager to strengthen before the transfer window closes, attention has turned to one of the hottest attacking talents currently available on the market.
The race has quickly developed into an Old Firm showdown, with neither side appearing willing to hand the advantage to their bitter rivals.
While Celtic publicly acknowledged their interest first, Rangers have now responded in dramatic fashion.
Last week, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill openly admitted the Scottish champions were working hard to bring the highly-rated attacker to Parkhead.
Speaking about the situation, O’Neill said:
“I don’t know whether Rangers are trying to sign him. But we have a very strong interest in him. I don’t know about the other thing. I don’t know how close we can get, but we are genuinely making good progress.”
Those comments have now been overtaken by fresh developments.
According to Sky Sports Scotland, Rangers have officially launched a hijack attempt by submitting an improved £8 million offer, surpassing Celtic’s earlier £6 million bid.
However, both proposals have been rejected by Frosinone.
The Italian club remain firm on their valuation, insisting they will only consider offers approaching their reported €20 million (£17 million) asking price for Fares Ghedjemis.
After an outstanding Serie B campaign in which he scored 15 goals and provided three assists, the 23-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after young wingers available this summer.
Whether either Rangers or Celtic are prepared to shatter their transfer records remains the biggest question.
Despite their aggressive move for Ghedjemis, Rangers are refusing to place all their hopes on one target.
Derek McInnes has already moved quickly to strengthen his attacking options elsewhere, with transfer expert Florian Plettenberg reporting that the Gers have reached a full agreement to sign Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota from Hannover 96.
The deal, worth around £3 million, is expected to be completed shortly, with Yokota set to undergo his medical before officially becoming another summer arrival at Ibrox.
The urgency behind Rangers’ pursuit of attacking reinforcements became even clearer following their frustrating 1-1 Premiership draw against Dundee United, where McInnes’ side struggled to create enough chances despite dominating large spells of the match.
Even if Yokota arrives as expected, Rangers are still believed to be monitoring Ghedjemis closely, suggesting McInnes wants at least two new wide players before the transfer window closes.
With Celtic still refusing to back away and Frosinone standing firm on their valuation, the Old Firm transfer battle is far from over.
The coming weeks could determine whether one of Scotland’s biggest transfer sagas ends in celebration at Ibrox—or heartbreak as Celtic attempt to land one of Rangers’ top targets.
Nafisa
