Rangers star Alexander Smith is closing close on a permanent transfer to Arsenal in a deal involving a six-figure fee, according to The Sun.

Writing on their website (22 February), the news outlet report that the bright youngster has been monitored by the Gunners for a time and they are now ready to make their interest formal.

Director of Football Edu is now ready to initiate talks with the Ibrox club for the 15-year-old, with a six-figure compensation sum likely to be agreed for the “outstanding talent”.

“Arsenal are closing in on Rangers’ 15-year-old starlet Alexander Smith,” they said.

“The Gunners have been tracking Smith for some time and are set to offer Rangers a six-figure compensation fee for their outstanding talent.

“Arsenal are now ready to open talks with Gers about recruiting their international midfield ace.”

Another one bites the dust for Rangers

Rangers have seen a lot of young talent depart the club in recent times, with the most noticeable one being Rory Wilson leaving to Aston Villa.

The club have done well to bring through young players with the likes of Alex Lowry, Leon King, Adam Devine and Ross McCausland making the breakthrough in recent times.

But there are other brilliant youngsters like Zak Lovelace, Bailey Rice and Johnny Yfeko still plying their trade in the youth teams hoping to create a name for themselves.

Smith has earned a good reputation in Glasgow and will be a significant blow to the academy picture at the club, with an anticipation that he would be one who could rise to the first-team.

But when Arsenal come calling, it’s always difficult for young players and Scottish clubs to truly battle against it. The Bears are helpless here, but maybe the revenue that comes in can be put to good use.

In other Rangers news, new multi-year agreement set for Ibrox first-team standout according to Chris Jack.

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