Nigel Winterburn has urged Arsenal to avoid signing Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to bring in a striker to replace Gabriel Jesus.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup now over, fans of Arsenal and other clubs will eagerly look forward to the resumption of club football again. The Gunners’ supporters will remain optimistic over their team’s chances in the coming year to clinch the Premier League title for the first time in nearly 18 years. But they have a peculiar problem.
The injury to Gabriel Jesus during Brazil’s final group game against Cameroon thoroughly rocked Arsenal. The Brazilian international will remain sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery to his knee, and the Gunners have to make do with Eddie Nketiah as his only replacement.
They remain linked with several players in the market. Memphis Depay and Dusan Vlahovic have been mentioned as potential targets, but they might prove difficult to acquire in the current climate. In addition, there is considerable pressure elsewhere on Mikel Arteta to bring in a replacement, which may alter the club’s original plans for January.
Yet, reports suggest Arteta might look to keep faith in Nketiah to replace Jesus, with the youngster only signing a new contract in the summer. Alternatively, if Arsenal decide to sign a new frontman, there are only a few names available as things stand, and one of those is Cristiano Ronaldo.
After his contract termination with Manchester United before the World Cup, the Portuguese international is available for a free transfer. The economical value of the 37-year-old is still something most clubs would consider before even thinking about approaching, but Arsenal remain linked.
Arsenal great Nigel Winterburn has now strongly advised the club to avoid signing Ronaldo. His comments on Metro suggest the reason for not wanting the experienced striker would be his lack of long-term value while believing he will not suit Arteta’s system.
Winterburn said, “It’s a no from me, and there’s only one simple reason; it would be a short-term gap to fill. A lot of people might say that’s great, let’s do it. 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 anymore.”
“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.”
Ronaldo remains one of the most well-known names in world football. And despite his advancing age, he will continue to attract the biggest clubs. Despite losing key man Jesus to an unfortunate injury, Arsenal may remain wary of signing Ronaldo for many factors that go against the club’s recently adopted policy.
Ronaldo has a lucrative offer in place from a Saudi Arabian club. However, the experienced striker has yet to sign the deal, fuelling speculation that he might prefer to stay in Europe for another stint. As for Arsenal, they will have to make a huge financial commitment to sign Ronaldo even for half a season, something Arteta may not prefer.
Nigel Winterburn has urged Arsenal to avoid signing Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to bring in a striker to replace Gabriel Jesus.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup now over, fans of Arsenal and other clubs will eagerly look forward to the resumption of club football again. The Gunners’ supporters will remain optimistic over their team’s chances in the coming year to clinch the Premier League title for the first time in nearly 18 years. But they have a peculiar problem.
The injury to Gabriel Jesus during Brazil’s final group game against Cameroon thoroughly rocked Arsenal. The Brazilian international will remain sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery to his knee, and the Gunners have to make do with Eddie Nketiah as his only replacement.
They remain linked with several players in the market. Memphis Depay and Dusan Vlahovic have been mentioned as potential targets, but they might prove difficult to acquire in the current climate. In addition, there is considerable pressure elsewhere on Mikel Arteta to bring in a replacement, which may alter the club’s original plans for January.
Yet, reports suggest Arteta might look to keep faith in Nketiah to replace Jesus, with the youngster only signing a new contract in the summer. Alternatively, if Arsenal decide to sign a new frontman, there are only a few names available as things stand, and one of those is Cristiano Ronaldo.
After his contract termination with Manchester United before the World Cup, the Portuguese international is available for a free transfer. The economical value of the 37-year-old is still something most clubs would consider before even thinking about approaching, but Arsenal remain linked.
Arsenal great Nigel Winterburn has now strongly advised the club to avoid signing Ronaldo. His comments on Metro suggest the reason for not wanting the experienced striker would be his lack of long-term value while believing he will not suit Arteta’s system.
Winterburn said, “It’s a no from me, and there’s only one simple reason; it would be a short-term gap to fill. A lot of people might say that’s great, let’s do it. 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 anymore.”
“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.”
Ronaldo remains one of the most well-known names in world football. And despite his advancing age, he will continue to attract the biggest clubs. Despite losing key man Jesus to an unfortunate injury, Arsenal may remain wary of signing Ronaldo for many factors that go against the club’s recently adopted policy.
Ronaldo has a lucrative offer in place from a Saudi Arabian club. However, the experienced striker has yet to sign the deal, fuelling speculation that he might prefer to stay in Europe for another stint. As for Arsenal, they will have to make a huge financial commitment to sign Ronaldo even for half a season, something Arteta may not prefer.