Report: Claudio Marchisio rejects chance to sign for Rangers

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Italian midfielder Claudio Marchisio has rejected the chance to join Rangers, according to reports in Italy, as quoted by the Daily Record.

Boss Steven Gerrard was hopeful of adding the player with 55 Italy caps to his ranks following his departure from Zenit St Petersburg.

Marchisio is deemed a club legend at Juventus. He played 389 times for the Old Lady, scoring 37 goals and registering 43 assists.

It would have been a real coup for Gerrard to pull off the signing of Marchisio, although it now appears dead in the water.

It was Gazetta dello Sport journalist Nicolo Schira that broke the news of the deal not happening.

Gerrard already has a plethora of midfield options at his disposal. He clearly identified a role in his team for the 33-year-old, however.

Challenging for the title is paramount this season, however, and a born-winner like Marchisio would have been an astonishing signing.

TBR Verdict – Marchisio rejection could actually benefit Rangers

Marchisio’s record speaks for itself. Of course, if the chance arises to sign someone of his nature then you have a look. It might not be a bad thing, however, that Rangers have been knocked back.

The man who won seven Serie A titles with Juventus would have probably strengthened the midfield ranks. There is little point in simply stockpiling players, however.

Gerrard already has Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, Andy King, Steven Davis, Joe Aribo, Greg Docherty and Scott Arfield all battling it out for a place in his team.

If Marchisio arrives at Ibrox one of those players is going to be knocked down the pecking order. With lots of younger players currently earning game time under Gerrard, that wouldn’t bode well.

On paper, the Italian might have proved an upgrade on some of those players bit Gerrard doesn’t want to be rocking the boat. His team aren’t exactly in a bad place right now.

Losing to Celtic was a blow for the Gers but with the season in its infancy, there is no need to panic.

Missing out on Marchisio might not be such a bad thing after all.