Valencia full-back Joao Cancelo is no longer a summer priority target for Barcelona, as per reports.
Spanish journal Mundo Deportivo have reported that Barcelona no longer see Valencia defender Joao Cancelo as a priority for the summer, with Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin emerging as their top target instead.
Cancelo has been a mainstay for Valencia ever since arriving at the Mestalla before the start of the 2015/16 season. The 22-year-old has turned in several impressive performances following his move to Spain despite Valencia enduring two underwhelming campaigns in La Liga.
His stellar performances at the back for the Spanish side also saw Cancelo earn a maiden call-up to the Portugal national side last year, and clubs have started taking note of his immense talents as well.
In fact, the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been linked with the player. But, Barcelona were believed to be the front runners in the race to sign Cancelo, with reports even stating that the La Liga champions have already agreed terms to sign him in the summer.
Indeed, the Blaugrana are reported to be scouring the market for a right-back following their struggles to find the perfect replacement for Dani Alves. Aleix Vidal has struggled to turn in consistent performances, while Barcelona plan to deploy first-choice Sergi Roberto in midfield in future.
As a result, right-back has been one of the few weaklinks in an otherwise solid side at Camp Nou. Cancelo has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time now, but the Mundo Deportivo report states that they have now set their sights on Hector Bellerin, and for good reasons.
Firstly, they see the former La Masia academy player as a more dependable prospect following his impressive performances at Arsenal. In addition to that, the €25 million price tag being demanded by Valencia has driven Barcelona away from Cancelo as they deem it to be an exorbitant amount.
Finally, while they see a lot of promise in Cancelo with his technical abilities and attacking output, they see several defensive loopholes, and would much rather go for a much proven right-back in Bellerin.
This comes in the wake of reports that Barcelona have stepped up their chase for Bellerin. Indeed, Bellerin has become the “chosen one” for Barcelona, and he fits the profile of players that Barcelona have recruited in recent years, and is also a player held in high regards at the club.
With a starting position set to open up at Barcelona following Roberto’s proposed return to midfield, Bellerin will certainly prove to be an upgrade on Vidal. And while, he will command a fee higher than that of Cancelo’s, Barcelona are prepared to fork out a substantial sum to see Bellerin return to Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, with Chelsea reported to be eager to sign the 22-year-old in the summer, the exit of Barcelona paves a clearer way for them to secure his services come June.
