Cristiano Ronaldo has told Al Nassr to abandon plans to sign a top Arsenal player and pursue a Real Madrid star instead.
Ronaldo Commits to Al Nassr Until 2027, Urges Club to Shift Transfer Focus
After months of speculation about a potential departure from the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo put the rumors to rest by signing a contract extension with Al Nassr last month, securing his stay at the club until 2027.
Following the announcement, Ronaldo took to social media to express his excitement, calling the extension the beginning of a “new chapter” in his journey with the Saudi club.
Since the renewal, Al Nassr have been linked with high-profile transfer targets from Europe, including Liverpool winger Luis Díaz and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli. However, recent reports suggest Ronaldo has intervened in the club’s transfer strategy.
The Portuguese star has reportedly advised Al Nassr to drop their pursuit of the two Premier League attackers and instead focus on acquiring a top Real Madrid player who may be available during the current transfer window.
Ronaldo Pushes for Rodrygo as Al Nassr Eye Major Statement Signing
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract extension now official, it’s clear that Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus is aiming to make a marquee signing this transfer window — and Ronaldo has a name in mind.
According to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Ronaldo has urged the club to prioritize signing Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, seeing him as the ideal high-profile addition to the squad.
Just a few months ago, the idea of Rodrygo leaving the Spanish giants would have seemed far-fetched. However, the situation has shifted under new head coach Xabi Alonso, with signs pointing to a possible departure for the Brazilian star.
While Real Madrid continue their Club World Cup campaign in the U.S., Rodrygo has found it difficult to secure a consistent place in Alonso’s starting XI. His limited minutes in key matches have reportedly left him increasingly disillusioned, and he’s now said to be considering a transfer request.
The 24-year-old’s frustration has also affected ongoing contract talks, which have reportedly stalled as he weighs up his future at the Bernabéu.
Al Nassr Face Stiff Competition for Rodrygo as Focus Shifts Back to Martinelli
If Al Nassr are serious about landing Brazilian star Rodrygo, they’ll have to fend off strong interest from top European clubs including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich.
However, despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported push for the Real Madrid winger, it appears the Saudi club may not be following his lead. According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Al Nassr have already submitted a €85 million (£73 million) bid for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli — suggesting the club could be prioritizing other targets.
Should Al Nassr continue to pursue Martinelli over Rodrygo, it could clear the path for Arsenal to make a decisive move for the Madrid forward, significantly increasing their chances of bringing him to the Premier League this summer.