Arsenal could enter the chase for Joao Cancelo and look to bring the 29-year-old from rivals Manchester City and scupper Barcelona’s plans.
According to Sport via Sport Witness, Arsenal could enter the race for Joao Cancelo, which would affect Barcelona’s plans for the 29-year-old defender. Manchester City are keen to part ways and conduct a permanent sale, although things are very complicated with the Portuguese international.
Arsenal are interested in Joao Cancelo
It’s not the first time Arsenal have shown an interest in Joao Cancelo, with Mikel Arteta exploring the opportunity last summer before the 29-year-old joined Barcelona. He has been brilliant for the Catalans and prefers to stay here while hoping the club would make a permanent move for him from Manchester City.
Cancelo is one of the best-attacking full-backs around, and had it not been for a rift with Pep Guardiola, he would have stayed at Manchester City. Arteta knows about the 29-year-old and would like him on his side ahead of the summer when he will be available.
Arteta wants a new versatile defender to add to his squad, so Arsenal are interested in Cancelo ahead of the summer. Whether this interest would change their current backline remains the question, but the Gunners boss will want marginal gains and could get that in certain areas with the Portuguese international.
Between them and Cancelo is Manchester City, which might prefer to sell him elsewhere and not to their title rivals. Secondly, there’s Barcelona, who pose a curious challenge to any suitor, including the Gunners, as they might explore a way to sign the 29-year-old for next season. The Catalans are aware of the challenges ahead and may have already identified a replacement, but they remain optimistic.
Barcelona in contention for Cancelo
As things stand, Cancelo wants to move to Barcelona after the season ends. The Catalans are unwilling to pay the €40 million Manchester City reportedly wants. They could also sign him on another loan deal with a buy option of €25 million, something they will certainly explore.
However, the Catalans are convinced they will sweep aside anyone interested in the 29-year-old defender, including Arsenal. They might get the upper hand if Cancelo rejects all overtures in his signature and force a move to Barcelona, which will push Manchester City’s hand.
