Arsenal open talks with City for Barcelona target Joao Cancelo

• Joao Cancelo is set to leave Manchester City this summer, with Barcelona keen on his services
• Barcelona is keen on signing the full-back on a season-long loan deal from City
• Arsenal have however entered the talks after Jurrien Timber tore his ACL last weekend

Barcelona is currently engaged in discussions with Manchester City over a possible loan arrangement for Joao Cancelo, although Arsenal have also opened talks with City for the full-back. Cancelo’s status at Manchester City shifted unexpectedly during the previous season, culminating in a loan spell with Bayern Munich. Despite participating in pre-season activities, Cancelo’s absence from matchday squads for significant fixtures like the Community Shield, the Premier League opener, and the UEFA Super Cup has been conspicuous. The emergence of homegrown talent Rico Lewis played a role in this decision, with Manchester City recently extending the 18-year-old’s contract until 2028.

With the departure of Jordi Alba and an ongoing vacancy in the right-back position, Barcelona’s interest in securing the versatile Cancelo has been persistent. Reports indicate that Cancelo has reached a personal agreement with Barcelona, demonstrating his desire to join the Catalan club. This intent persists despite potential interest from the Saudi Pro League. However, negotiations between the two clubs remain a point of contention involving the structure of the prospective deal.

Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo is set to leave the club this summer, with Barcelona and Arsenal both in talks over a potential transfer this summer. | PHOTO: GOAL |

READ: Arsenal to return back to transfer market after Jurrien Timber injury

The proposed transfer is envisioned to commence as a loan agreement. Nonetheless, the specifics of the deal’s execution have become the crux of discussions. Manchester City seeks an obligation to purchase Cancelo at the conclusion of the loan period, with a price tag of £51 million (€60 million). In contrast, Barcelona prefers a non-mandatory option, granting them the flexibility to make the transfer permanent at a reduced rate of £43 million (€50 million).

Time is of the essence for Barcelona as they navigate the negotiations concerning Cancelo. Information from reliable sources suggests that Arsenal has entered the scene, engaging in dialogue with the player’s representatives. Arsenal had recently invested £40 million in resolving their right-back conundrum by securing the services of Jurrien Timber from Ajax earlier in the summer. Although Timber showcased a promising start, his campaign was marred by a serious knee injury that required surgical intervention. Given Arsenal’s pre-existing admiration for Cancelo, the necessity to replace Timber’s role could propel them back into the transfer market.

In summary, the situation surrounding Joao Cancelo’s potential transfer presents a dynamic landscape involving multiple stakeholders. Barcelona and Manchester City have been in talks for a loan deal but Arsenal have opened talks for a permanent move. While Barcelona remains committed to securing Cancelo’s services to address their right-back void, Manchester City’s stance on the deal’s structure stands in contrast to Barcelona’s preference for flexibility. Arsenal’s potential involvement adds another layer of complexity, driven by the unforeseen injury setback to Timber. As the transfer window unfolds, the fate of Cancelo and his potential move to Barcelona or Arsenal hinges on the intricate negotiations and the evolving needs of the clubs involved.