Cristiano Ronaldo
Image credit: Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Al Nassr to sign Rodrygo, a player heavily linked to Arsenal this summer. According to Sky Sports in France, Ronaldo personally singled out the Real Madrid winger as the first player Al Nassr should sign this summer.
Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid is uncertain, with the Brazilian winger awaiting assurances about his game time under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Despite Alonso’s claims that Rodrygo was in his plans, the player has only been given 92 minutes to impress at the Club World Cup with his only start coming in the 1:1 opening match with Al Hilal. Gonzalo Garcia has enjoyed a brilliant start to life under Alonso, taking significant minutes from Rodrygo.
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Al Nassr had reportedly recently approached Rodrygo’s entourage to gauge his interest in a possible move to the Middle East.
However, Rodrygo reportedly told Al Nassr representatives that he would prioritise offers from the Premier League if he were to leave Real Madrid. In an effort to turn his head, Jorge Jesus’ side plans to offer him a blank cheque.
Arsenal - Rodrygo
Rodrygo (Image credit: Getty Images)
Ronaldo’s advice to Al Nassr comes as no surprise, given the club’s track record in signing top talents. The Saudi Pro League side signed Jhon Duran last season from English Premier League side West Ham.
Mikel Arteta’s camp had also reportedly bid for the versatile Brazilian, with the only issue keeping the deal from manifesting being the two clubs’ valuation of the player.
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Manager Mikel Arteta was asked about the links with the attacker and accepted that the club needs the best players to win a major title next season.
He said: “Well, I wouldn’t like to name a player, but obviously we have come. If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no? The teams that win always have the best players at this level.” “What we have, what is clear as well with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line, that we need a goal threat and we need the firepower out there.”
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