I like this one. He was being discussed as a good option to replace Gallagher at Palace on Tifo last week. He’s versatile and lots of his numbers were higher than other people’s numbers. At the end of the day though folks, the real winner is football.
I’d be surprised if this wasn’t very close to being sorted, if we are sharing this in the press. Especially if it’s a release clause job that anyone can get involved in easily (Villa are you ok?) Would really love this one. Aribo is class.
I wanted us to sign him when he left Charlton a couple of seasons ago so can’t be mad we are getting him now and he is only 25 still. What I have seen of him at Rangers though hasn’t impressed me massively, though that hasn’t been too many games to be fair
On YouTube Aribo looks really good. Great first touch. YouTube usually means absolutely nothing but it’s promising at least
Not sure what to think. Wasn't overly impressed with what I saw from him at Rangers this season, though granted he scored in the EL final. Time will tell!
Both from video and various reports his best attribute appears to be his strength and directness, two attributes that should work well in executing a high press and (for the love of all that is holy, please) turning changes in possession into immediate attack. The one question, though (on which I have zero opinion because all I've seen are a few Youtube videos) is whether he has the guile; strength and pace are found in no short supply in the defenders at this level, so just being a battering ram is a bit more difficult.
Ah, stuck this on the main transfer window thread but should probably sit here too: I'm quite lucky in that a good friend of mine is a long-term Charlton season ticket holder and goes to all the aways too. He absolutely loves Aribo and was excited when he saw The Athletic's report on Tuesday night as he's long said he should be playing in the Premier League and that he thinks he's got more growth in his game here than in the SPL. He said that Aribo can play and has played as a 6, 8 and a 10 but is at his best as an 8 with licence to advance or as a 10 with the responsibility of linking things up and getting the team out on the break. He singled out his best traits as his close control, his dribbling and his strength and security in picking up the ball on the transition and getting his team up the pitch before playing the final ball or shooting. He likes a left-footed whip shot inside the far post and isn't shy about mucking in defensively/closing down. The only other person I'd really associate that style of play with is Stu and we all know that we desperately need another Stu, just to keep defences earnest and due to his well-documented injury history. If we can get them on the pitch together it won't be as easy for teams to try and shut down our transitions and will also help if one of SA/JA is having an off-day. At the moment it feels a bit like if Stu isn't on his game, then the drop off to the other options is significant and we have no one who plays the same way. I think at £10m he's worth a go, plus the age profile is still good for us. I remember when he left Charlton he had Premier League opportunities and Lee Bowyer (then Charlton boss) criticised him for heading north of the border. (although how much of that was down to compensation reasons I'm unsure of...) If we get this one and Lavia done then we are shaping up to actually have some decent midfield options - crucially in terms of different moulds of midfielders - for the first time in a long while.
