Journalist Pete O'Rourke reckons that Champions League football could convince midfielder Joe Aribo to stay at Rangers.

Aribo has been a key player for the Scottish giants since his arrival from Charlton, but he has been heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox in recent months.

What's the latest news involving Aribo?

According to the Scottish Sun, Crystal Palace have made the 25-year-old their top summer target, while Premier League rivals Watford, Brentford, Southampton, and Aston Villa are all interested.

Aribo has been a terrific servant for Rangers since his arrival in 2019, scoring 23 goals and laying on 21 assists from midfield.

Last season, he played a key role in their Scottish Premiership triumph, although his future has become in doubt recently, especially with his Ibrox contract expiring in the summer of 2023.

Speaking ahead of Rangers' crunch Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund tomorrow, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said that while he hasn't spoke to Aribo about extending his contract in Scotland, he admitted that "talks will begin" before expressing his desire to keep him at the club.

But O'Rourke reckons that playing in Europe's elite competition could persuade Aribo to stick around ahead of the summer transfer window.

What did O'Rourke say about Aribo?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think a lot will depend on whether they're in the Champions League next season.

"Perhaps Joe Aribo will stick around if they've got Champions League football to offer."

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Are Rangers likely to qualify for the Champions League?

Despite their poor recent form, which has allowed Celtic to overtake them in the race for the title, the Glasgow outfit still find themselves in a good position.

Since losing the Old Firm derby 3-0 earlier this month, Rangers have bounced back with three wins in league and cup, scoring 10 goals and conceding none. But they still trail their rivals by one point at the top of the table, although they still have 12 games to make up ground.

Perhaps more importantly, Rangers are 19 points clear of third-place, which is significant this season, with the top-two both going into the Champions League next season.

However, the difference between finishing first and second is another two qualifying rounds, and Rangers won't need reminding of their third round exit against Malmo earlier this season.

But the Gers also know that winning the Europa League would see them progress straight into the group stages of the Champions League, although they'll have to navigate their way past a dangerous Dortmund side in their second leg play-off tie before they even consider winning the competition.