Nigel Winterburn has warned Arsenal that signing Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer would be an 'absolute disaster'.
The Portugal superstar is without a club after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract at Manchester United. Now that the World Cup is over, he'll be looking to finalise his future sooner rather than later.
Although signing him completely goes against the Gunners' recent model of signing players who are not yet at their peak, Ronaldo is still capable of magic moments, so some supporters have asked Edu and Co. to at least be mindful about his availability.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta confirms Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli decision ahead of Arsenal vs West Ham
Gabriel Jesus' injury has also raised the question about signing a potential stop-gap at centre-forward to help ease the burden on Eddie Nketiah. The Brazil star was ruled out of the knockout stages of the World Cup after he suffered medial ligament damage against Cameroon in the group stages. He subsequently returned to London to undergo surgery.
While it is set to be a long road to recovery, Jesus posted a positive update on his Instagram story last week, saying "the first week is gone." The caption was placed over the top of an image showing Jesus' right knee in a hefty brace.
Nevertheless, even with Jesus' injury in mind, Winterburn thinks signing Ronaldo would be awful for all parties. Speaking to the Metro, via Free Super Tips, Winterburn said: "It's a no from me and there's only one simple reason; it would be a short-term gap to fill. A lot of people might say that’s great, let's do it.
"I wouldn't be able to argue with that, but I think the way Arsenal start games, they press high, they're full of energy, and Ronaldo is an unbelievable player, but I don't think he has the legs to be able to do that any more. I'm certain he doesn't. I think Arsenal would have to change their style of play to bring him in, and I think that move would be a complete disaster."
The Gunners return to action on Boxing Day with a London derby against West Ham United at the Emirates.
READ NEXT:
Bukayo Saka joins Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in Team of the World Cup amid Arsenal plan
Why Lionel Messi should thank Arsenal and Neal Maupay for historic Argentina World Cup win
Mikel Arteta confirms Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli decision ahead of Arsenal vs West Ham
Reiss Nelson injury in Arsenal vs Juventus may force Mikel Arteta into transfer window move
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
