Arsenal and Barcelona join Bayern Munich in race for Joao Cancelo

• Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo is currently playing for Bayern Munich on a loan deal
• Cancelo might leave Manchester City in the summer transfer window with several clubs interested in his services
• Arsenal and Barcelona have joined Bayern Munich who have a €70 million buy option

Joao Cancelo is unlikely to be reintegrated into the Manchester City first team for next season. This is because several top European clubs have expressed interest in acquiring him.

The Portugal international was sent on loan to Bayern Munich during the second half of the 2022/23 season, a decision that surprised many. City fans even voiced their discontent by booing Cancelo when he made a substitute appearance during Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final defeat at the Etihad Stadium in April.

Although 28-year-old Cancelo initially struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup under Julian Nagelsmann, he has since gained more playing time under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership.

Bayern Munich holds a €70 million option to buy Cancelo once his loan expires this summer, but they have publicly expressed their reluctance to pay such a hefty price.

Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo is currently playing for Bayern Munich on a six-month loan deal. | PHOTO: Goal |

However, sources indicate that Bayern would prefer to retain the versatile full-back in their squad. Nevertheless, Cancelo’s impressive performances have attracted the attention of other prominent clubs across Europe. Barcelona has been closely monitoring his situation, and it is believed that they would enter the race for his signature if they could secure an initial loan deal.

READ: Joao Cancelo biography and net worth

The future of Joao Cancelo remains uncertain as the transfer window approaches. Manchester City’s decision to loan him to Bayern Munich raised eyebrows, and his mixed reception from City fans suggests that his return to the club’s first team may not be in the cards.

With Bayern’s interest in retaining Cancelo and the potential involvement of Barcelona, a tug-of-war for his services could ensue in the upcoming transfer market.

Arsenal has also shown interest in signing Joao Cancelo. Mikel Arteta, who had a brief stint with Cancelo during their time together at Manchester City, believes that the Portuguese full-back would be a good fit for Arsenal’s current tactical system.

Real Madrid is also in search of a right-back, as their options in that position are limited beyond the experienced Dani Carvajal. Cancelo’s representatives have been exploring the possibility of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Cancelo joined Manchester City in 2019 on a long-term contract, as part of a swap deal that saw Danilo move to Juventus. The transfer made Cancelo the most expensive right-back in history, but initially, he struggled to displace Kyle Walker and had a limited role in the team.

However, Cancelo showcased his versatility and eventually established himself as a regular starter, even playing as a left-back when needed. He played a crucial part in Manchester City’s consecutive Premier League title victories in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.

As transfer speculation surrounds Joao Cancelo, Arsenal and Real Madrid have emerged as potential destinations for the talented full-back. His experience and adaptability make him an attractive prospect for top clubs, and his future in the coming season remains uncertain as negotiations and discussions unfold.