Revealed: This is how Rangers can prevent Emmanuel Fernandez joining Arsenal

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(Credit: Imago) Sun 22 February 2026 19:00, UK Emmanuel Fernandez is attracting growing interest from clubs looking to prise him away from Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.The 24-year-old has impressed in his debut season at Ibrox but has already gained admirers at Europe’s top clubs, with Arsenal among those being linked.However, Rangers are determined to keep hold of Fernandez as they view him as a crucial part of Danny Rohl‘s side both now and for the long-term future.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Champions League qualification would be a huge boost to Gers’ plans.Playing in Europe’s premier competition, which would come if they can pip Celtic and Hearts to the league title, would give them a huge advantage over his future.Read more: Rangers fans have reacted to the latest update on Fernandez.Rangers make new plan to keep Emmanuel FernandezFootball Insider revealed on 20 February that Rangers are desperate to keep Fernandez and hope to deter the growing interest from clubs across Europe. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES There is a fear that it may be difficult to keep the centre-back at Ibrox given the high-profile interest in his signature, especially if they are not competing in the Champions League.Pipping both Celtic and Hearts to the title would be a major boost for Rangers both financially and with their aims of keeping their best players at Ibrox.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, he’s been a success story for Rangers, Fernandez, since his arrival from Peterborough last summer.“It’s no surprise maybe that other clubs are looking at him but look Rangers will be desperate to keep hold of Fernandes.

“Let’s see what happens in this title race if they win it and qualify for the Champions League they’ll be looking to keep hold of Fernandes.“That would be a big boost to their chances, if they were to qualify for the Champions League and win the Scottish Premiership title.Credit: Imago“So I don’t think Rangers have any plans to let him leave anytime soon.“It would take a huge offer I think from the Premier League to even consider Rangers to let Fernandes go because he’s just enjoying his debut season at the club and they want to keep him there for the foreseeable future.”Read more: Who is next in line for a new contract at Rangers?Danny Rohl planning for the future after new deal agreedShould Rangers prove successful in their attempts to keep Fernandez at Ibrox, there is a clear role being laid out for him to be successful under Rohl.The 24-year-old has established a strong partnership alongside John Souttar, who has just put pen to paper on a new deal to extend his stay at the club until 2027.Football Insider revealed on 20 February that Souttar is a crucial part of Rohl’s plans for the long-term future at the heart of his defensive line.Credit: ImagoThe Ibrox outfit also hold the option to keep him for a further year, and sources say that Rohl is keen to have the veteran as part of his squad beyond just next term.The Scotland international hasn’t missed a single minute of league action so far in February, and his importance to the team has now been recognised by the club hierarchy.For more expert analysis on Souttar’s contract extension at Rangers, check out Ibrox News.