Premier League heavyweights Arsenal are looking to beat Barcelona to Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo, whose price tag is €30 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Joao Cancelo is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are scouring the market for a versatile full-back who can make his mark in the final third. The Portuguese international, a target for Barcelona, has thus emerged as a target. Meanwhile, Manchester City will demand €30 million to part ways with him.
Joao Cancelo and His Topsy-Turvy Ride
This time last year, Joao Cancelo was one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. Naturally a right-back, Pep Guardiola had converted him into a marauding left-back who was a monster in the final third. But the 29-year-old’s stock plummeted after the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with a run-in with Guardiola abruptly ending his time as a regular for Manchester City.
The Premier League champions shipped him off on loan to Bayern Munich, where he was a solid performer. But Die Roten did not complete a permanent transfer in the summer transfer window and left the Portuguese full-back in a spot of bother. That was until Barcelona signed him on loan for the 2023/24 season on the Deadline Day of the summer transfer window.
Cancelo has been a regular for Barcelona thus far this season. He has a solid tally of three goals and two assists in 21 appearances this term. The former Juventus defender’s exploits have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of Arsenal. Meanwhile, Barcelona will look to complete a permanent deal in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Arsenal, Barcelona Vying for Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese international has found a stable footing in his career again since joining Barcelona. Meanwhile, Xavi Hernandez has found a use for him on both flanks, even utilising him as a winger. So, it is hardly surprising that Barcelona will look to extend his stay at the club.
As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta wants a full-back who can consistently contribute in the final third. Cancelo’s versatility means he can be an asset on the left flank, becoming an upgrade on the underperforming Oleksandr Zinchenko. Meanwhile, Manchester City will demand around €30 million to part ways with him.
Arsenal should have no qualms about shelling out €30 million to land Joao Cancelo next summer. But it is unclear if Barcelona can afford the sum to permanently sign him next year. However, the Portuguese full-back is prioritising staying at the Catalan club. So, a deal with Barcelona might be likely for Manchester City.
