Gabriel Jesus tipped to bar Arsenal from making controversial January signing
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes the presence of Gabriel Jesus will deter the Gunners from signing Cristiano Ronaldo in January.
The Arsenal legend spoke exclusively to Express Sport about the Manchester United forward. And, despite his achievements, he believes he isn’t the right fit for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Ronaldo recently spoke with Arsenal superfan Piers Morgan about his difficulties at Manchester United this season.
The Portugal international opened up about everything from Erik ten Hag to the Glazers, Ralf Rangnick to the club’s underwhelming Carrington training complex.
Morgan has since stated that he would love to sign Ronaldo for Arsenal, claiming that he still has plenty to offer as he enters the twilight years of his career.
But, in an interview with Express Sport, Parlour insisted that the presence of Jesus means Ronaldo isn’t required.
“I don’t think so no,” he said when asked if the United star would be a good signing for Arteta to make.
“He’s already said he doesn’t want to be sitting on the bench and that means you 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.”
Ronaldo didn’t hold back in his interview with Morgan.
The United star accused Ten Hag of ‘disrespecting’ him, blaming the Dutchman for his recent tantrum during the club’s 2-0 win over Tottenham.
The veteran also went after the Glazers, claiming they “didn’t care about sports” and accusing them of being in the business solely for the money.
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 49, was relieved of his duties last year, Ronaldo criticised the decision to name Ralf Rangnick as his successor.
Parlour believes the Portugal international, who is currently in Qatar preparing for the World Cup, has gone too far.
And the Arsenal legend believes Ronaldo’s time at United has come to an end, with no way back for the 37-year-old.
“He’s certainly overstepped the mark, really,” he stated.
“Everyone has seen what he’s done over his career and he’s been an unbelievable player, best in the world along with Lionel Messi over the past 10 years.
“But there are certain ways you leave a club.
“And Manchester United, the way he’s dug into certain managers and direspected people, I don’t think you need to do that.
“He’s done it for a reason. Obviously I don’t think he’ll play for them ever again, it’ll be interesting to see how they move him on.
“I think everyone knew about the Glazers, that was an easy tap-in for him as everyones always saying they’re not doing enough for the club.
“But to have a go at your managers, it’s a cheap shot. You didn’t really need to do that when you’re Ronaldo.”
“Piers Morgan will benefit alot more than Ronaldo.”
Ronaldo will be hoping to make his World Cup debut when Portugal takes on Ghana on Thursday
Gabriel Jesus tipped to bar Arsenal from making controversial January signing
