Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr readying massive bid to sign player linked with Arsenal move - Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are reportedly preparing a monstrous bid to land Arsenal target Raphinha. The Brazilian has been at the Camp Nou since the summer of 2022.
The 27-year-old has bagged 20 goals and 25 assists in 87 games across competitions for Barca. That includes 10 goals and 13 assists in 37 games last season, where the Blaugrana endured a trophyless campaign.
Raphinha has been linked for a while with the Gunners, who are seeking to improve on successive Premier League runner-up finishes to Manchester City. However, Al-Nassr are ready to throw a spanner in their works.
As per SPORT (via TBR), the Saudi Pro League giants are determined to add Raphinha to their attack comprising former Premier League talents Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
With Raphinha being deemed surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou, an exit seems imminent for the 2024 Copa America quarter-finalist this summer. However, a Premier League return might not materialise for the Brazilian, as the Gunners are unlikely to compete with Al-Nassr, who are prepared to part with €100 million for his services.
He's contracted to the Camp Nou till 2027, but his immediate future at the club seems unclear, with interest from the Saudi Pro League giants and the Gunners.
How Cristiano Ronaldo fared for Al-Nassr last season?
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo produced a superb first full season in Saudi Arabian football. The 39-year-old plundered an impressive 44 goals and 13 assists in 45 games across competitions but endured another trophyless campaign.
Ronaldo struck a record 35 times in 31 games (to go with 11 assists) in the Saudi Pro League - but Al-Nassr finished second for the second straight year - this time to runaway unbeaten champions Al-Hilal.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner struck six times and also provided an assist in seven games in his maiden AFC Champions League campaign, but his side lost on penalties to Al-Ain in the quarter-finals.