Ronaldo was released by Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn says a move for Cristiano Ronaldo would be a ‘complete disaster’ for the Gunners.
Arsenal will resume their Premier League campaign next week top of the table but are still reeling from news that Gabriel Jesus is facing up to three months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery.
While Mikel Arteta has the option of Eddie Nketiah to lead the line, the club are considering bringing in a new striker in the January transfer window to ensure they maintain their title charge in 2023.
Ronaldo is a free agent after being released by Manchester United last month following his interview with Piers Morgan, where he revealed he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag while also taking aim at the club’s owners, former players and young players.
While Arsenal are said to be considering short-term options to fill the void left by Jesus’ injury, Gunners great Winterburn has urged the club to stay away from the 37-year-old, insisting his arrival would force Arteta to change the way his side play for the worse.
‘It’s a no from me and there’s only one simple reason; it would be a short-term gap to fill,’ Winterburn told Metro.co.uk on behalf of Free Super Tips.
‘A lot of people might say that’s great, let’s do it.
Ronaldo has scored just one Premier League goal this season (Picture: Getty)
‘I wouldn’t be able to argue with that, but I think the way Arsenal start games, they press high, they’re full of energy, and Ronaldo is an unbelievable player, but I don’t think he has the legs to be able to do that any more.
‘I’m certain he doesn’t. I think Arsenal would have to change their style of play to bring him in, and I think that move would be a complete disaster.’
With a number of European clubs rejecting the chance to sign the former Real Madrid star, even at reduced wages, reports in Spain have claimed that Al-Nassr have agreed a €500 million (£432m) contract with the Portugal star.
But the Saudi Arabian club recently moved to deny those claims.
When asked about a move for Ronaldo, Al-Nassr’s president Musalli Al-Muammar jokingly replied: ‘Who is Ronaldo? I don’t know him.’
In a subsequent interview with SSC Sports, Al-Muammar said: ‘Ronaldo is busy with the World Cup and I don’t think that he is in negotiations with anyone.’
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The 37-year-old is still a free agent.
