As the current season nears its conclusion, FC Barcelona has initiated preparations for the upcoming season, considering several potential arrivals and departures within the Catalan club.
In addition to assessing potential transfers, the club is also engaged in discussions regarding the retention of two players currently on loan, namely Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo.
Negotiations for both players are anticipated to be challenging, with recent developments complicating matters further, particularly in the case of Cancelo, which may pose difficulties for Barcelona in their dealings with Manchester City.
The likelihood of the fullback returning to Manchester City and resuming play for the club appears slim. Previous reports suggest that Manchester City seeks a permanent transfer for the defender. Barcelona President Laporta recently disclosed that the club is nearing the establishment of a price for the Portuguese international.
However, according to reports from SPORT, Barcelona faces competition from other clubs interested in acquiring Cancelo for the upcoming season, notably Arsenal from the Premier League.
Arsenal, currently possessing Ben White and Tomiyasu for the right-back position, alongside Kiwior and Zinchenko for the left-back position under Mikel Arteta, views Cancelo as a significant upgrade due to his extensive experience and exceptional qualities as an attacking fullback capable of operating on either flank.
Arsenal’s involvement in the negotiations may further complicate matters for Barcelona, who aim to retain Cancelo. Earlier indications suggested that Manchester City would sell the player to the highest bidder, and as one of the prominent clubs in the Premier League, Arsenal could potentially offer more to City than Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Cancelo appears content at Barcelona, which could influence his decision to remain with the Catalan club for another season, potentially ruling out a move to any other club.