CRISTIANO RONALDO’s Al Nassr are lining up a shock £73million swoop for Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli, according to reports.
talkSPORT claim the Saudi giants are gearing up for a mega-money summer as they chase their first league title since 2019 and Martinelli has shot to the top of their wishlist.
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Al Nassr have been handed a transfer boost with the Saudi window opening 17 days early, giving them equal advantage to European clubs.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to keep hold of the 24-year-old winger.
But a monster bid could force Arsenal’s hand, especially with big-name replacements like Anthony Gordon and Rodrygo on their radar.
Journalist Ben Jacobs says the Gunners have had no formal contact from Al Nassr just yet.
But a £73m deal would obliterate Arsenal’s transfer record, smashing the £35m they banked for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
Arteta wants fresh firepower up front after injuries ravaged his frontline last season and the cash from Martinelli’s exit could fuel moves for Gordon or unsettled Madrid ace Rodrygo, who’s fallen out of favour since Kylian Mbappe rocked up at the Bernabeu.
Rodrygo’s spat with ex-boss Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t helped and new coach Xabi Alonso doesn’t seem much keener.
The Brazilian’s been left out of recent Club World Cup wins and played just 23 minutes in four games.
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Elsewhere, Ronaldo’s calling the shots in Al Nassr’s transfer war room, with Premier League stars firmly in their sights.
Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus are both on the radar, with Kudus tipped to replace Jhon Duran, who’s Fenerbahce-bound on loan.
Tottenham and Chelsea remain keen on Kudus but Saudi clubs could pounce despite a £120million clause.
The Hammers are reportedly ready to sell the former Ajax man but the deal will have to be on their own terms.
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