Arsenal is reportedly prepared to initiate negotiations for the acquisition of Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo during the upcoming summer transfer window, contingent upon Barcelona’s inability to secure the full-back on a permanent basis. Following a loan spell with Bayern Munich in the latter half of the previous season, Cancelo embarked on a temporary arrangement with Barcelona for the 2023-24 campaign, where he has since emerged as a pivotal figure under the stewardship of head coach Xavi.
Throughout the season, the 29-year-old has featured prominently for Barcelona, amassing a total of 32 appearances in La Liga and the Champions League, contributing with four goals and four assists while operating in both right-back and left-back roles.
Despite being contracted to Manchester City until June 2027, Cancelo’s future appears destined away from the Etihad Stadium following a period of waning favor under the management of Pep Guardiola. The Portuguese international recently voiced grievances against Manchester City, accusing the club of ingratitude and alleging falsehoods in statements made by Guardiola regarding his conduct during his tenure.
It is understood that Manchester City is open to entertaining offers for Cancelo during the upcoming transfer window, with the full-back publicly expressing his desire for a permanent move to Barcelona. However, Barcelona’s hesitance to meet Manchester City’s valuation of £40 million for Cancelo is reportedly rooted in their own financial concerns. As it stands, Barcelona appears reluctant to commit beyond paying a loan fee to retain Cancelo for another season.
In the event that Barcelona’s efforts to secure Cancelo falter, reports suggest that Arsenal stands prepared to seize the opportunity to pursue the full-back in the summer transfer market. Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, possesses intimate familiarity with Cancelo, having previously worked alongside him during his tenure as an assistant under Guardiola at Manchester City.
Moreover, Arsenal has a history of recruiting key players from Manchester City, having secured the services of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko for a combined fee exceeding £70 million in the summer of 2022. Cancelo’s versatility and wealth of experience at the highest level, coupled with his proficiency in various positions across the field, are believed to be attributes that appeal to Arteta’s strategic vision for the team.
Since joining Manchester City in 2019, Cancelo has amassed 154 appearances across all competitions, registering nine goals and 22 assists. Additionally, he has contributed to Manchester City’s success, clinching three Premier League titles and one EFL Cup during his tenure.