Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly turned down an offer from River Plate head coach Marcelo Gallardo to join the Argentine side for the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Gallardo revealed that he personally reached out to Ronaldo through a mutual friend to explore the possibility of having the Portuguese star feature for River Plate in the tournament.

The two have a bit of history—Gallardo previously managed Ronaldo during a 2023 friendly in Saudi Arabia when he coached a Riyadh All-Stars team in a match against Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking ahead of River Plate’s clash with Monterrey, Gallardo told ESPN that their conversation earlier this year was casual but meaningful.

“In March, we spoke informally,” he said. “I asked if he would be interested in playing the Club World Cup. A player like him, who defined an era—it made sense to ask.” Gallardo added that Ronaldo appreciated the gesture and gave it serious thought but ultimately turned it down. The reason? He wanted to focus fully on getting ready for the new season with Al-Nassr.

Despite the rejection, Gallardo praised Ronaldo’s professionalism and character, saying they’ve kept a respectful relationship since their brief time working together. While fans won’t get to see Ronaldo in a River Plate shirt, the story shows the kind of admiration he still commands globally—even from clubs outside Europe.

Ola Aina is close to signing a new long-term deal with Nottingham Forest. The club has already activated the one-year extension in his current contract, keeping him at the City Ground until the end of the 2025/26 season. However, Forest are pushing to secure his future beyond that and are working on a new extended deal.

Talks are said to be going smoothly, with both sides confident that an agreement will be reached soon. Aina, who joined Forest in 2023 after leaving Italian side Torino, has become a key figure under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The 28-year-old made 35 league appearances last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist, impressing with his consistency and versatility.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly feeling let down after failing to attract firm offers from top clubs across Europe’s biggest leagues. According to Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük, Osimhen had hoped for interest from major teams in England, France, or Spain—but none have made a concrete move for him so far.

“Osimhen was really disappointed that no big club from England, France or Spain came forward,” Küçük revealed on Futbol Arena’s YouTube show. “It made him sad. But Galatasaray is very serious about wanting him.” The Nigerian forward, who turns 26 this year, spent last season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli and became a key part of the team’s attack. While his next move remains undecided, Galatasaray are keen to keep him on a permanent deal.

Osimhen has been linked in the past with clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, PSG, Real Madrid, Juventus and even Saudi side Al Hilal. But as it stands, none of those links have led to a final offer. With the new season around the corner, all eyes are on where Osimhen will end up—especially as Galatasaray look to take advantage of the situation and secure his signature.