Oumar Diakite celebrating a goal with Youssef Chermiti in circular inset
Credit: Imago/Manh Tung
Mark Smith
Mon 1 September 2025 6:55, UK
Russell Martin is set for a very busy deadline day at Rangers.
After watching Rangers labour to a 0-0 draw against Celtic, Martin and Kevin Thelwell are in the market for new strikers to follow Bojan Miovski through the door.
Youssef Chermiti is set to join Rangers for up to £10million, with Cyriel Dessers on the way out after two late bids were accepted from Ibrox.
Chermiti may not be the only new striker coming, though, with Oumar Diakite strongly linked.
Oumar Diakite celebrating a goal for Stade Reims
Credit: Imago
Rangers have bid accepted for Oumar Diakite
Rangers are pushing hard to add Diakite to their squad before the late deadline on Monday.
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Africa Foot has now reported that an £8.6million offer has been accepted by Reims and their president, but with one added demand on top.
The management of the French club would like a 15 per cent sell-on clause included in any deal.
Thelwell is said to have started very serious discussions with Reims in recent hours, and could take his spending to new heights should Diakite and Chermiti arrive.
Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell
Credit: Imago
Kevin Thelwell under serious pressure at Rangers
Rangers have not seen spending like this for years at Ibrox.
Yes, Hamza Igamane was sold for big money, and the likes of Dessers and Nico Raskin could follow on deadline day, but spending over £8m on two separate strikers is massive.
Should Diakite arrive alongside Chermiti and neither deliver in blue, the 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh will be having serious conversations.
There could be up to four new arrivals on deadline day alone, which would be huge.
Youssef Chermiti – Due for medical
Derek Cornelius – Deal to be completed
Oumar Diakite – Bid accepted
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi – Bid submitted
Rangers have made a late loan bid for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, showing ultimate backing for Martin, who will be under more sack pressure than ever following this deadline day.
Diakite appears to be the most unlikely of the four deals mentioned, despite the suggestions that a bid has been accepted, but it is certainly one to watch very closely.
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