Cristiano Ronaldo could end up playing a huge role in the future of Gabriel Martinelli this summer, amid links with a transfer exit from Arsenal.
There has been growing concern over the winger’s stay at the Emirates Stadium, as teams circle a potential deal.
Gabriel Martinelli has two years remaining on his contract at Arsenal, with the option of an extra year on top.
After a difficult season, in which the Brazilian scored eight Premier League goals and assisted four times, there could be competition for his place.
Arsenal are on the search for another winger, who could end up competing with Gabriel Martinelli in the near future.
As a result, teams are starting to show interest, with Cristiano Ronaldo set for a potentially huge say.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s new deal could influence Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal
Al-Nassr are showing interest in Gabriel Martinelli, as the Saudi Pro League club consider their options for the wide areas this summer.
The team are looking at Luis Diaz of Liverpool as their first option in a potential £72.6 million deal, but those funds could be allocated towards Martinelli instead, as he is considered another option.
While making an offer that could tempt Arsenal is an important part of the discussions, if they are to happen, the player’s wishes are also important.
Many stars have turned down Saudi Pro League clubs after their recent transfer recruitment drive, for many different reasons.
So, should they make a move for Martinelli, it would be important to agree on personal terms and set out a vision he would like.
One player who could play a key role in that is Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese international has had a legendary career, which he is continuing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.
Having recently signed a contract extension until 2027, Ronaldo is set for another stay with the Saudi Pro League outfit.
That could be enough to help tempt Martinelli to make the move to Al-Nassr, given what he could learn from Ronaldo.
There is a connection between the two, as was revealed just a couple of years ago.
Gabriel Martinelli revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo was his idol
Speaking back in 2023, Martinelli revealed that his idol was Ronaldo as part of an interview, having watched him as a youngster.
He said, via the Daily Mail: “If you were talking about footballers, the person I looked up to was always Cristiano Ronaldo. I used to watch him a lot when I was growing up.”
Having grown up to idolise Ronaldo, it could be that his presence at Al-Nassr is enough to sway his mind on a potential move.
It’s unclear whether that would be his stance, even if the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man gets involved.
There are some big decisions to be made in the near future for both Arsenal and Martinelli over what comes next.
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