Ronaldo in sensational Arsenal link as Al-Nassr rumours strengthen

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 4 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future continues to make football transfer headlines following his release by mutual consent from Manchester United, with Arsenal the latest club to be linked with the Portugal star.

The Gunners have emerged as competition for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who have offered the 37-year-old a sensational €500 million contract over a period of two-and-a-half years.

Rudy Galetti reports that Arsenal have not yet opened talks with the former Real Madrid and Juventus hitman, but the Premier League club’s intention is to persuade the veteran to sign with them.

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This news broke on Monday as reports from Marca in Spain indicated that Ronaldo has agreed to join Al-Nassr on 1 January.

This in itself comes in contrast to what the player has indicated, which is that he will only decide his future at the end of the 2022 World Cup, where he has led his side into the last 16, in which they will face Switzerland.

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Ronaldo to Arsenal: What are the chances?

Arsenal’s reported interest, meanwhile, has reportedly flared in the wake of the news that Gabriel Jesus could be sidelined for a significant portion of the season following an injury picked up in Qatar.

If the Brazil international is out, it would deprive Mikel Arteta’s side of their leading scorer and it would be logical that they might look for a replacement.

Ronaldo could provide an alternative, with the potential of a short-term deal giving the player the opportunity to prove he can still play for a leading club that is competing for trophies. Certainly, the player’s desire appears to be to remain at the top level for as long as possible, and it’s even conceivable that he would take a pay cut in order to make it happen.

Meanwhile, he would bolster the Gunners’ ranks as they chase the Premier League title.

Ronaldo going to Arsenal would certainly be a shock move, even in the wake of Gabriel Jesus’ injury, but that issue has changed the playing field and the possibility is now one that should not be entirely dismissed.