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Arsenal ready to rival Barcelona to sign Joao Cancelo

By on May 30, 2023

Joao Cancelo

Arsenal are reportedly in a fight with Barcelona over a deal to sign Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo this summer, as per the transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Following Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury-plagued campaign this term, it has been suggested that the Gunners have decided to strengthen the right-back position in the upcoming transfer window. They have been linked with numerous options over the last few months with Cancelo being mentioned as a serious target.

After falling out with Pep Guardiola, Cancelo was shifted out on loan to Bayern Munich during the January window and a £62m buy option was included in his deal to allow the German giants to purchase him permanently this summer. 

However, writing on Twitter, Romano has reported that Bayern have decided not to trigger that option so Cancelo is set to return to the Etihad Stadium at the end of his loan deal. But, the journalist claims that Man City aren’t willing to keep the Portuguese international at the club so they are ready to cash-in this summer.

Cancelo to Arsenal

Romano also states that Arsenal ‘appreciate’ Cancelo and he is one of the names on Arteta’s wish-list to bolster the defence so, they could make a summer swoop for him.

However, the Italian says that purchasing the Man City star won’t be easy for the North London club as Barcelona have also been showing a ‘genuine interest’ in signing him. But, the transfer expert suggests that the Blaugrana might struggle to purchase him due to their financial difficulties, therefore, it seems Arsenal are in an advantageous position to secure Cancelo’s signature this summer.

Romano wrote:

“Understand Manchester City are ready to sell João Cancelo this summer. He will return from Bayern, €70m buy option won’t be triggered. Arsenal appreciate Cancelo, he’s one of the names in the list. Barça have genuine interest since January but… depends on FFP.”

It has been suggested that Man City are ready to let the 29-year-old leave for as little as £35m. So, Arsenal would be able to purchase their key target for a bargain deal should they decide to formalise their interest.

Cancelo is an extremely talented player and would be a statement signing for Arsenal if they manage to acquire his services during the off-season. So, it is going to be interesting to see whether Arteta’s side can manage to lure the Man City man to the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.