---
title: "Frank McAvennie says Aston Villa must sign Joe Aribo to add ‘spark’"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2021/11/15/frank-mcavennie-says-aston-villa-must-sign-joe-aribo-to-add-spark/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Crippy Cooke"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2021-11-15T18:15:04Z"
modified: "2021-11-15T18:15:05Z"
---

# Frank McAvennie says Aston Villa must sign Joe Aribo to add ‘spark’

Aston Villa [appointing](https://readastonvilla.com/2021/11/11/fans-hail-brilliant-news-as-aston-villa-close-in-on-appointing-steven-gerrard/) Steven Gerrard as their new manager could lead to a number of Rangers players following him from the Ibrox stadium. Gerrard’s already [brought](https://readastonvilla.com/2021/11/14/danny-mills-says-aston-villa-fans-will-be-delighted-by-steven-gerrards-first-act/) members of his Rangers backroom staff to Villa, so it’s not too farfetched to predict a first-teamer also making the switch.

Glen Kamara has already been [linked](https://readastonvilla.com/2021/11/14/fans-on-social-media-fume-as-aston-villa-are-linked-with-overrated-glen-kamara/) with a move to Villa and Ryan Kent has also been [tipped](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10198591/New-Aston-Villa-boss-Steven-Gerrard-ready-raid-former-club-Rangers-forward-Ryan-Kent.html) to join the Midlands outfit, but Frank McAvennie believes Joe Aribo should be on Villa’s radar. He says the 25-year-old is a “talent” who’d provide a necessary creative “spark” in midfield.

McAvennie told [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/gerrard-tipped-to-make-aribo-his-first-aston-villa-signing-in-brilliant-10m-move-pundit/): “Joe Aribo stands out to me. He’s young enough and has the talent to go down there and do well. £10million is it for him? That’s a good deal.

“Aribo could add that spark to the Villa midfield. They have a lot of quality players but they are struggling to create. I would imagine Aribo will be a relatively cheap signing Gerrard could get over the line.”

The Nigerian international [joined](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-aribo/transfers/spieler/468198) Rangers from Charlton Athletic in 2019 and has gone on to make [113 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-aribo/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/468198) in all competitions, scoring 20 goals with 18 assists. Aribo has started all but one of their 23 games across the board [this season](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-aribo/leistungsdaten/spieler/468198), so he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Aribo has contributed five goals in 13 Scottish Premiership games in 2021/22, so he would improve Villa’s options. The likes of Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey were brought in to provide goals but have struggled for consistency, so maybe a new face in January could be a solution?

***[In other news, Robbie Fowler gives his honest thoughts about Aston Villa appointing Gerrard](https://readastonvilla.com/2021/11/15/robbie-fowler-gives-honest-thoughts-about-aston-villa-appointing-steven-gerrard/)***