Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Lines Up Arsenal Star

Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just leading the line for Al-Nassr. He is also shaping the club’s future off the pitch. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly pivotal in pushing to bring Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Arabia. After failing to land Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, Al-Nassr has now approached the Brazilian as their next marquee winger. With a hefty €85 million (£73m/$99.5m) bid being lined up, this could be one of the most impressive transfer moves of the summer.

A Change Of Plans

Al-Nassr’s first-choice target had been Díaz, but Liverpool quickly shut down any talk of a sale. The club made it clear that the Colombian winger, despite interest from abroad, is not available. With that door closed, Al-Nassr swiftly turned their attention to Martinelli, who fits the bill both stylistically and commercially.

Martinelli, still just 24, has been one of Arsenal’s most exciting attacking options under Mikel Arteta. However, things haven’t been on the same scale as he set. Last season, he notched 10 goals and 6 assists across all competitions, a little underwhelming considering he was performing on the same level as Bukayo Saka. A move away might benefit him, as he can still offer a bunch. Quick, technically gifted, and relentlessly hard-working, he’s precisely the kind of player a team like Al-Nassr wants flanking Ronaldo.

Reports suggest that Ronaldo himself has endorsed Martinelli as the perfect fit on the left wing, helping lead Al-Nassr’s internal push to bring him in. Just his presence is used as a tool to attract top-tier talent, which, to be frank, started the Saudi fiasco back in 2022. Few players can ignore the chance to share a pitch with a footballing legend like CR7.

Arsenal Stands Firm, But Eyes Are Watching

Arsenal, for now, has shown they are not looking to sell their winger. Martinelli signed a long-term deal in early 2023, keeping him at the club until at least 2027, and he remains an important part of Arteta’s plans moving forward. However, there is also speculation that Arteta is looking for more quality down the left, someone with greater consistency and experience, which will help them win trophies, something they have struggled to do for the past six years. But football is business as much as it is sport, and Al-Nassr’s interest may eventually test Arsenal’s resolve, especially with €85 million on the table.

Behind the scenes, it is understood that Arsenal are already exploring contingency plans. Names like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon have been quietly floated as possible replacements if negotiations ever progress. Selling Martinelli could generate the funds needed to push for one of those high-profile signings. It would come at a high cost, both in fan sentiment and squad stability.

From the player’s perspective, Martinelli is reportedly not yet keen on a move to Saudi Arabia. He is focused on securing a spot in Brazil’s squad for Copa América and the 2026 World Cup, and a move away from Europe’s elite leagues might undo that. That said, ignoring a contract worth €20 million per year is hard. That is nearly triple what he earns at Arsenal, and it could turn some heads if things heat up further.

Building Something Bigger

Earlier this summer, Ronaldo extended his stay with Al-Nassr until 2027, a clear signal that he is not just here to collect a final paycheck. He is invested in making the club a serious force in the Saudi Pro League and across Asia. With 93 goals in 105 appearances, Ronaldo is still delivering on the pitch, but his impact off it is arguably even more influential.

Ronaldo’s presence alone gives Al-Nassr an edge in transfer negotiations. Players and agents listen when he is involved, and it is believed he is playing an active role in shaping the team’s recruitment plans. That includes Martinelli and other names like West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface. The two are on the list, although Kudus’s deal might be more complicated due to his £120m release clause.

Final Thoughts

For The Gunners, keeping Martinelli means staying loyal to the squad’s current trajectory, and very few players in the market offer the same attitude, work rate, and speed as the Brazilian. Selling him, however, could open the door to a new tier of signings and tactical flexibility. The club’s pursuit of Premier League glory and Champions League progress might benefit from reinvestment, and with a disappointing last season from the 24-year-old, they’d be fine with life without him, too.

As for Al-Nassr, the strategy is clear. They are not looking to build a retirement home for big names past their prime. They want stars in their peak years. Martinelli fits that bill perfectly. And with Ronaldo acting as both player and unofficial sporting director, the pitch to prospective signings is more convincing than ever.