Rangers should push hard to complete a deal for Claudio Marchisio

According to the Daily Star, Rangers have been credited with an interest in former Juventus stalwart Claudio Marchisio, who is currently a free agent following his release from Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg.

However, the Gers have been knocked back in their efforts to sign the 33-year-old former Italian international, with the Daily Star suggesting that Marchisio has turned down an approach from the Gers.

Marchisio, who amassed a mammoth 389 appearances for Juventus and won seven Serie A titles over the course of an illustrious and distinguished 13-year spell in Turin, joined Zenit on a two-year deal last summer but he was released after making just 15 appearances in all competitions in the previous campaign.

Rangers looked to have concluded their summer business with a permanent deal to bring winger Ryan Kent back to Ibrox from Liverpool on deadline day but the Gers’ interest in Marchisio is a clear indication that Gerrard is still looking to nab a few free-agents, with the window now closed in Scotland.

The Gers made a promising start to their campaign, winning each of their first three games in the Scottish Premiership, while also securing qualification to the Europa League group stages. 

However, a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Celtic in the Old Firm derby last Sunday dealt a devastating blow and took the wind out of their sails, as Neil Lennon’s side silenced the title-noise at Ibrox and laid down an early marker. 

Indeed, the debacle against Celtic was a reality check for Rangers and it was clear from the way things shaped up in the derby game that the Gers are still some way short of their nearest title rivals, both in terms of quality and temperament.

While Gerrard will be hoping for his team to make amends later on in the campaign, the former Liverpool captain might as well look to pounce on the opportunity to bring in a high-profile free-agent, with plenty of names on that list still up for grabs.

To things into perspective, Rangers are currently pretty well-stocked in their options in the middle of the park but it is a fact that someone like Claudio Marchisio would be an instant upgrade on the club’s existing options.

The veteran has struggled with injuries over the past couple of seasons but he possesses real quality on the ball when he is fit and running.

A household name in European football for quite a long time, the Italian hardly needs an introduction to any football fan and despite his advancing years, the 33-year-old might still have what it takes to cut the mustard in Scottish football. 

The likes of Steven Davis, Joe Aribo, Ryan Jack, Andy King, Glen Kamara and Scott Arfield have all made an impact to varying degrees but the acquisition of Marchisio would add another bow to Gerrard’s string, as he looks to end the title drought at Ibrox. 

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Conclusion

Rangers might have been rebuffed in their first approach to sign the 33-year-old but they should definitely look to go all out and use every bit of their pulling power to bring the Italian to Ibrox.