Arsenal have been urged to turn down a move for Cristiano Ronaldo in favour of signing a striker from a Premier League rival in January. It comes after star summer signing Gabriel Jesus underwent surgery for a knee injury he suffered during the World Cup group stages with Brazil.
It doesn't come as good news to the Gunners, who appear to be without the 25-year-old for what could be up to three months of action. "If there was a timeline and I could see you and tell you something, I would say 'Gabriel, you are a winner'," the striker said when breaking his silence on Instagram, accompanied with a childhood photo. "Thanks to all who sent messages of support and love!”
The importance of the Brazilian cannot be understated for Mikel Arteta, with his ideal style of play moving closer to the end goal with his addition to the squad. With January around the corner, the opening of the transfer market could change their plans when it comes to incoming players.
READ MORE: Arsenal facing harsh reality but Gabriel Jesus injury can accelerate exciting January transfer
One of the options linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has recently become a free agent after the mutual termination of his contract at Manchester United. While the Portuguese star has shown he can still score goals, former Arsenal ace Ray Parlour has warned the Gunners over a potential move for him.
He told Sportslens: "I wasn’t in favour of bringing Ronaldo in, certainly not before Jesus got injured because he won’t want to be sitting on the bench again. I just don’t think he’ll work hard enough. I know he scores the goals but Ronaldo won’t bring the energy of Jesus by any means.
"He still is a very good player but will he fit into Arsenal’s system the way they play now? I don't see it. I’d be amazed if it happens but if it did then you’d have to just get behind it as an Arsenal fan and back the team.”
With the 37-year-old ruled out by Parlour, he claims that a deal for a striker from a Premier League rival may work as a better solution.
He added: "I’ve always said Ivan Toney of Brentford. I’d go and try to get him if I could. I don’t think you’ll get him in this window but he’s who I’d go for. I think he’s similar to Ian Wright, the way he plays and scores his goals."
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