Transfer Talks: Ronaldo’s Al Nassr decision, Man United’s Mbeumo deal, Ait-Nouri to City, Barcelona set to sign top keeper

Al Nassr are set to present their plan to Cristiano Ronaldo, hoping to get a new deal sorted.

The club is preparing changes to get Cristiano’s green light and sign a new contract to continue at Al Nassr.

Luis Diaz, David Hancko, a world-class midfielder, and more targets have been added to the summer shortlist (Fabrizio Romano)

Gulf News verdict: The 40 year old CR7 is focused on playing for Portugal in the Nations League semi-final against Germany for now. However, his fans are eagerly waiting for his transfer decision. There have been loads of rumours about him wanting to move out of Al Nassr as a free agent to play in the upcoming Club World Cup, but Fabrizio Romano has given this latest update.

Even I think he’s waiting for Al Nassr’s moves in the market before penning an extension deal with them. He hasn’t won any trophies there, unlike other Saudi clubs that have spent well and won trophies during his time in the Saudi Pro League. He wants to win trophies and wants to see if they are ambitious before making a decision. Let’s wait for Al Nassr’s moves in the market and decide for ourselves.

Bryan Mbeumo is interested to join Manchester United, and the Old Trafford club is set to open talks with Brentford as they pursue an agreement to sign the forward this summer (David Ornstein)

Gulf News verdict: Even though he has only a year left on his contract, Brentford will be looking for at least £50M from United. The Cameroon international is a proven Premier League player, who had his best season, scoring 20 Premier League goals in the just-finished season. He can play as a No 10 in the Amorim system comfortably, having played through the centre and wide under Thomas Frank. Along with the acquisition of Cunha, United are making smart signings in this window. They finished 15th in the league, but their pull in the market is unbelievable. They need a midfielder who is press-resistant next.

Manchester City are pursuing a deal to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers (David Ornstein)

Gulf News verdict: The 23-year-old Algerian international played an important role in keeping Wolves in the Premier League in the just-finished season. He is a flamboyant wing-back who knows how to dribble, create, and score as well. Pep will like the way he can comfortably invert, but the question is how he can defend as a natural right-back in a 4-at-the-back system, as he has performed his best as a wing-back in a 5-at-the-back system. The deal is almost getting done, as David Ornstein is the most reliable journalist out there.

Barcelona and Joan Garcia have reached total agreement. He will become a Barca player in the next few hours — Official announcement tomorrow or the day after. [COPE]

Gulf News verdict: The deal isn’t done yet, but the way things are panning out, it’s just a matter of time for it to be completed. Barca need an upgrade on Marc ter Stegen, and they are getting the upgrade from their bitter local rivals Espanyol. The 25-year-old Spanish keeper came through the youth ranks of Espanyol and has been one of the most impressive goalkeepers in La Liga in the past few seasons. He is a great shot-stopper, has strong mentality, and has all the passing ability to play as a sweeper-keeper as well in Flick’s high line. Will be a perfect signing.

— From code to kick-off: Gulf News’ Mohammed Shamsheer spends his weekdays in DevOps and weekends watching football — a proud Chelsea supporter through and through.