Cristiano Ronaldo throws Arsenal transfer curveball as Man Utd legend makes £70m request

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Al Nassr to join Arsenal in the race to sign Rodrygo. The Real Madrid winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for much of the summer, having struggled to force himself into Xabi Alonso's plans.

Rodrygo currently faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu as he awaits assurances about his game time. Upon the former Liverpool midfielder's unveiling as the new Los Blancos manager, he ruled out the Brazil international's departure.

Despite claiming that Rodrygo was in his plans, Alonso has only given him 92 minutes to impress at the Club World Cup. Gonzalo Garcia has enjoyed a brilliant start to life under the Spaniard, taking significant minutes from the 24-year-old.

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football.london understands that Arsenal are interested in Rodrygo, but any move would be complicated at the moment. The Gunners appear to have left the door wide open for rival clubs to swoop in.

According to Sky Sports in France, Ronaldo wants Al Nassr to sign Rodrygo this summer. The report claims that the Saudi Pro League giants recently approached the Brazilian's entourage to gauge his interest in a possible move to the Middle East.

It's said that Rodrygo told Al Nassr representatives that he would prioritise offers from the Premier League if he were to leave the Spanish capital. So, in an effort to turn his head, Jorge Jesus' side reportedly plans to offer him a blank cheque.

Sky Sports add that Ronaldo personally singled out the Real Madrid star as the first player the club should sign this summer. Earlier this month, Alonso provided an update on Rodrygo's future.

Speaking to reporters at the Club World Cup, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss tipped the £70m-rated Arsenal target to find his feet in his new system. Alonso said: "I’m sure Rodrygo can return to his best form.

"I spoke with him; he's positive, eager, and ready when needed."

A few days prior, following a 1-0 win over Juventus, the Madrid boss said: "After the game I try to approach everyone I meet along the way. He had a few minutes [against Salzburg] that were important for him and he will be important.

"In these championships, sometimes those who start are just as important as those who come in. They can have a decisive impact, so each player has to be prepared for whatever comes their way.

"Everyone is in a good disposition. Rodrygo is training well and I see him in good spirits. Then it's my decision who plays."

Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal's final game of the season, Arteta was asked about Rodrygo. The Spaniard said: "The teams that win always have the best players. I wouldn’t like to name a player.

"But the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season you have to win a major trophy.

"That means that everybody believes that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency, and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe and if you don't do that, then what is going to happen?

"For me that is the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there..."