Ex-Arsenal man pours cold water on Rangers link as 'no comparison' verdict given on Steven Gerrard
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Former Arsenal man has rejected talk of a summer move for the Rangers star.Rangers have been told not to worry about losing Emmanuel Fernandez to English Premier League title chasers Arsenal this summer - because the club “don’t need him.”Fernandez, 24, has been one of the Rangers’ standout performers this season following his £2.5million arrival from Peterborough United in the summer, becoming one of the first names on Danny Rohl’s team sheet since the German’s arrival in October.Named in the Scottish PFA Team of the Year earlier this week, the defender has been linked to European giants such as Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Leverkusen in recent months, with reports also claiming Mikel Arteta’s side have been keeping tabs on his progress ahead of a potential summer move.Fernandez has been a key player for Rangers under Danny Rohl. | SNS GroupIn response to the growing interest in his services, the Glasgow giants were said to have slapped a £35million price tag on Fernandez’s head. However, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith isn’t sure the rumours have any substance, as he’s not sure where he’d fit into the Gunners’ squad.“I don’t see why they’d need a centre-half anyway,” said Smith.
Former Arsenal striker and current TV pundit, Smith, believes the Clarets would be taking a risk by appointing the ex-Rangers manager, claiming his success at Ibrox will have no bearing on whether he can cut it at Burnley.Gerrard has been out of work since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January 2025. | Getty Images“You’d have to say the jury’s still out with Gerrard,” said Smith. He obviously did well at Rangers, but that’s a different kettle of fish.
So it’s a bit of a gamble, I’d say. But I’m sure he’s keen to get back in.