Arsenal legend casts over Gunners' purported move for Nigerian defender Fernandez

FORMER Arsenal striker Alan Smith has cast doubt over reports linking Nigerian centreback Emmanuel Fernandez with a summer move to the Emirates questioning both the club's need for reinforcements and the player's readiness for such a massive a step up.

Fernandez, 24,  currently plays for Glasgow doubtRangers, who he joined from Peterborough United during the last summer transfer window in a deal reportedly worth around £3m. Over recent months, Fernandez's form has been brilliant and as a result, several of Europe’s top clubs have begun watching him.

Apparently, Rangers are open to selling the defender but will demand around €40m from suitors and Arsenal, who are desperate to shore up their squad as they keep failing to win the league, may make a move for the youngster. According to online sports portal TEAMtalk, Arsenal are ahead in the race for Fernandez, with Chelsea, West Ham United and Everton also in the mix.

Constantly losing out on the English Premier League due to not having enough squad depth, Arsenal are once again facing the threat of being beaten to the title by Manchester City. Realising how limited their defensive depth is, Arsenal see Fernandez  as a new addition required to join last year's signings Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.

Fernandez, a towering defender, standing at 6 feet 5 inches, is someone several English clubs admire due to his prowess in the air and overall defensive game. However, Alan Smith, an Arsenal legend, has cast doubt over the move., saying he remains unconvinced that a move to north London is likely at this stage of Fernandez's career.

Fernandez's consistent performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him a maiden call-up to the Nigeria national football team and a place in the Scottish PFA Team of the Year. Additionally, his form has sparked interest from several European clubs, including Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, and Feyenoord.

However, Smith remained unconvinced that a move to north London is likely at this stage of Fernandez's career. Speaking on the speculation, the former Arsenal forward questioned whether the Gunners have any real need to strengthen in central defence

Mr Smith said: "I don't see why they'd need a centre-half anyway. Yes, he's had a good season at Rangers but who knows whether he can continue that kind of form at a higher level. I'd be surprised if Arsenal went for him given that Timber can play in the middle, plus they've got  Mosquera."

Fernandez  has enjoyed a standout campaign for Rangers, making a significant impact at both ends of the pitch with six goals in 29 appearances across all competitions. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, has already assured Fernandez that whatever happens, he is on his radar for the next Super Eagles squad and is likely to feature in the Unity Cup, taking place in London later this month.