Villarreal will battle RB Leipzig for another Nigerian player just two years after selling Samuel Chukwueze to AC Milan…
Spanish La Liga side Villarreal have joined RB Leipzig in the race to sign Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo, with the Southampton star inching closer to a summer exit, Soccernet.ng understands.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian international, who has a year left on his contract at Southampton, has become a subject of strong interest from multiple clubs in Europe following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.
The 28-year-old is reportedly eager to leave the newly relegated English Championship side and revive his career at the top level.
Will Villarreal Battle Leipzig For Aribo?
Soccernet.ng learned that RB Leipzig were the first to move, with sources confirming the Bundesliga club submitted a €10 million offer for the Nigerian international.
Aribo, who has earned 34 caps and scored 2 goals for Nigeria, is seen as a versatile midfield option with experience across various European competitions.
However, Africa Foot further reports that the German outfit’s pursuit of the former Rangers star has now encountered a significant challenge as Villarreal step into the fray.
According to reports, the Yellow Submarine have expressed concrete interest in bringing Aribo to La Liga, two years after selling compatriot Samuel Chukwueze to AC Milan.
Sources close to the player earlier revealed that Aribo is unhappy with his time at Southampton and is open to a transfer that would offer him European football and a defined project.
Other Clubs Eyeing The Nigerian
While a return to Rangers was previously speculated, per Ibrox Noise, it appears unlikely due to financial constraints and squad restructuring under new boss Russell Martin.
There has not been any official information from either the player's camp or the clubs, but with reports on interest from Spain, Germany, and Turkey, the Super Eagles star appears to return to top-flight football.
