What AEK Athens coach said about forward situation amid links with Rangers striker Dessers

AEK Athens manager Marko Nikolić has played down concerns over the club's attacking options amid ongoing speculation linking Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers with a move to the Greek Super League side.

Dessers, the Scottish Premiership top scorer last season, has emerged as a target for AEK Athens, with the Nigeria international already agreeing personal terms. 

Rangers and AEK Athens have not reached an agreement on a transfer fee, putting a question mark over if and when the Nigerian forward will complete a switch to AEK.

Despite the delay, Nikolić appeared unfazed by the situation, expressing confidence in his current attacking options, which include Anthony Martial, Zini, Frantzdy Pierrot and Niclas Eliasson.

In their first friendly match in Burgh-Haamstede, Netherlands on Saturday, AEK Athens thrashed FC De Westhoek 6-0, with Niclas Eliasson netting a hat-trick.

When asked if the club’s lack of progress in signing a striker and a left-back was cause for concern, Marko Nikolić told reporters: "No, because in attack we are good with Zini, Pierrot, Martial and even Eliasson. We are working on the left-back, but we have time. 

"Full-backs on the market are always a difficult matter. It is not a big issue, we are also looking for a player for another position."

Since joining Rangers from US Cremonese in July 2023, Cyriel Dessers has racked up an impressive 67 goal contributions in 109 appearances across all competitions, though he has frequently come under fire from fans for his inconsistent finishing. 

Feyenoord have also been credited with an interest in the former Racing Genk and NAC Breda man, who has two years left on his Rangers contract.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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