Al Nassr are planning for a new era under Jorge Jesus after the Portuguese tactician accepted an offer to replace Stefano Pioli in Riyadh.
Star player Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly had a key say in Jesus’ appointment as the veteran striker also signed a bumper contract extension at the club until 2027.
After finishing third in the 2024/25 Saudi Pro League campaign, Al Nassr required change, as illustrated by a 13-point gap behind champions Al Ittihad.
Al-Nassr are looking to bring reinforcements to aid Jesus and Ronaldo to bolster their chances of securing a league title and also contending for the Asian Champions League crown.
As per the latest reports via transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Al Nassr have drawn up a list of targets, and could push for Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
There is also interest in Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz, but due to uncertainty over the Colombian’s future, the focus has now shifted to Martinelli.
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According to reports, Al Nassr are ready to offer Martinelli a tax-free salary of around €20m [$23.5m], nearly triple his current Arsenal wage, to lure him to Saudi Arabia.
Will Martinelli leave Arsenal this summer?
The Brazil international has been a crucial player for Mikel Arteta in recent seasons, netting 10 goals and providing five assists in his 51 appearances across competitions.
However, he provides much more to the Gunners than just goals and assists via his work rate, versatility and pace within Arteta’s set up.
Al Nassr believe the Brazilian’s pace and work rate will complement Ronaldo with their iconic captain now restricted to operating as a penalty box poacher flanked by quick teammates.
Martinelli’s current contract with Arsenal runs until 2027, and the Gunners are in a strong position to negotiate with his suitors, with no update on a renewal at this stage.
However, Al Nassr are not the only interested party, with Bayern Munich also weighing the option of signing the 24-year-old despite his importance to their Premier League title aspirations.
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