Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes Gabriel Jesus will stop the Gunners from approaching out-of-favour Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at Old Trafford following a controversial TV interview with Piers Morgan.
He now faces an increasingly uncertain future with the Red Devils as his relationship with head coach Erik ten Hag - and the club's fanbase - appears beyond repair. United were said to be 'furious' after being surprised by Ronaldo's interview, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner claiming that he felt betrayed by the club.
As a result, the Mirror reported that the club have been seeking legal advice, and the Portugal international could be sacked if his behaviour is judged to be 'a serious enough breach of discipline'. Ronaldo could even be offloaded before the January transfer window opens, leaving the door wide open for newly-promoted sporting director Edu to swoop in.
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But, according to Parlour, Jesus' presence up top will deter the north Londoners from considering the signing of the Portuguese star. Speaking to the Express, the Gunners legend was asked if Ronaldo would be a good signing, to which he replied: "I don't think so, no.
"He's already said he doesn't want to be sitting on the bench, and that means you are leaving Jesus out. Jesus has been so good. Sometimes you can get a bit of friction, atm the team spirit at Arsenal is so good it's top-class.
"Look, if you want to sell loads of shirts around the world, you sign Ronaldo for the financial side of it. But you don't want to upset Jesus.
"They do need another striker, but I don't think Ronaldo would be the right choice. Sometimes, you can upset things. If things are going well, you don't change it."
Jesus has featured 14 times for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, guiding the Gunners to the top of the table. While questions have been asked of the Brazil international's nouse in front of goal, he's scored five times this term - but also assisted six.
With the World Cup underway, Arteta will be eager to see his striker continue his promising displays in Qatar. The north Londoners have a title race on their hands, and Jesus will be central to any success Arsenal enjoy this season.
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