The state of play as Rangers look to continue their busy summer of transfer incomings and outgoings following the arrival of new boss Russell Martin
08:00, 10 Aug 2025
Karl Hein
Karl Hein (left) looks to be on his way out of Arsenal, possibly to Rangers(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Rangers may need to strengthen further ahead of the transfer deadline if they are to take the fight to Celtic this season.
The Gers have made a mixed start to their Scottish Premiership campaign, while they are on course to qualify for the Champions League playoff round following Tuesday’s superb 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen.
The true test of progress under Russell Martin will be how close they can get to their Old Firm foes, who romped to the title by 17 points last season.
Martin has made a number of transfer inroads following his arrival, with nine summer signings, but more incomings are on the cards ahead of the September 1 deadline. The Record looks at the current state of play and what a dream scenario could look like...
Focus on signing Arsenal keeper
Martin has said he is open to signing a keeper to provide competition for Jack Butland, and Karl Hein would be the perfect option. With a loan deal for Brighton's Carl Rushworth off, the Light Blues have reportedly turned their attention to Gunners back-up Hein, according to reports in Germany.
The 23-year-old joined the Gunners' youth ranks in 2018 but has made just one first-team appearance. The 6ft 3' stopper spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga, making 31 appearances as the team were relegated.
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The arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea will have shunted the Estonia international even further down the pecking order at the Gunners. Given his age, he may feel it is time to sever his Arsenal links permanently. Sevilla are also in the running to sign Hein, who has previously been linked with Portsmouth and QPR.
Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein
Hein is at a crossroads in his career(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
£5m decision made
Cyriel Dessers’ future may be at Rangers after all, despite Martin’s admission that he was the only player in his squad to attract a formal bid this summer. That bid is widely thought to have been from AEK Athens.
It is believed Dessers had even agreed a £30,000-a-week deal with the Greek giants before the Gers' new American owners dug their heels in by refusing to accept less than £5million for the Nigerian. AEK appear to have moved on, signing Luka Jovic from AC Milan.
Martin has openly praised Dessers’ attitude, suggesting he could be part of his long-term plans. The 30-year-old started against Viktoria Plzen, scoring from the spot in a superb all-round performance.
Russell Martin congratulates Cyriel Dessers
Russell Martin has spoken highly of Cyriel Dessers(Image: SNS Group)
Billy Dodds, part of Barry Ferguson’s coaching staff at the end of last season, believes cashing in on Dessers this late in the window would be a major mistake. He said: “It would be a gamble now. I think the big man has bounced back and I love players who show that.”
Dodds added: “He's scored again and he's probably put it back in Rangers’ court. I think probably the Rangers did want to sell. But now there’s a question mark about it.”
Go after a Mendy alternative
Rangers remain in the hunt for a central defender after appearing to have missed out on Real Betis’s Nobel Mendy. The Light Blues had expressed an interest in the 6ft 2' centre-back as Martin looks to beef up his defensive options.
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Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is set to leave the club this summer
Victor Lindelof is currently training with second tier Swedish side Vasteras SK(Image: Getty Images)
However, Mendy looks set to remain in Spain, with Rayo Vallecano now leading the race to sign the talented 20-year-old, according to reports in the country. Mendy was viewed as an alternative to former target Conor Coady, who has joined Wrexham instead.
Rangers could look at the array of experienced free agents who remain available, including former Manchester United man Victor Lindelof, 31, ex-West Ham centre-back Kurt Zouma, 30, and Ben Mee, 35, formerly of Brentford and Burnley.