Arsenal told signing ex-Man United player would be a "complete disaster"

Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn has said that Arsenal signing Cristiano Ronaldo would be a 'complete disaster'.

Arsenal have previously been tentatively linked with launching a move for Ronaldo, who departed Manchester United via mutual agreement last month.

But peaking to Tribal Football, Italian transfer journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that the Gunners want to enter the race to sign Ronaldo, who is available on a free transfer.

There are Arsenal fans are concerned over the prospect of any deal, given the circumstances behind Ronaldo's exit from United - a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, in which he slammed United chiefs, manager Erik ten Hag and club legend Wayne Rooney.

He has scored just three goals in 16 appearances in all competitions at club level, and struggled to make a significant impact at the World Cup as Portugal were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals.

There would also be a question mark over wages, with Ronaldo said, as per the Daily Mirror, to be United's highest earner before his departure.

But the 37-year-old does, though, have the small matter of over 800 career goals to his name, and the experience of winning major trophies.

However, Winterburn believes that Arsenal should steer clear of Ronaldo.

Nigel Winterburn warns Arsenal over Ronaldo signing

The former left-back, who won three top division titles with Arsenal between 1989 and 1998, as well as the 1994 European Cup Winners' Cup and two FA Cups, doesn't think Mikel Arteta's side should sign Ronaldo.

He told Metro: "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 press 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 anymore. 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."

Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have reportedly offered Ronaldo a £173 million-a-year contract, but their president has since rubbished claims that they are currently in negotiations with the Portuguese legend, who has likely played in his final World Cup.