Arsenal are 'interested in' signing Manchester City star Joao Cancelo, according to reports.
Despite playing more minutes than any other defender before his departure, Cancelo grew frustrated at his lack of game time following the resumption of club football following the World Cup and left the Etihad at the end of the January transfer window. Bayern Munich took the full-back on loan for the remainder of the season with a £60million option to buy.
However, things didn't go to plan in Germany as Cancelo continued to find his opportunities limited and it quickly became apparent the Bundesliga champions wouldn't be keeping him past the current campaign. Cancelo is set to return to City this summer but the sudden breakdown of his relationship with Pep Guardiola suggests a permanent move may be on the cards.
The 29-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs and Arsenal are the latest suitors to emerge. The Gunners signed Gabriel Jesus and Aleks Zinchenko from the Blues last summer and the additions helped them mount a spirited title challenge even if they were eventually unsuccessful.
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Sky Sports News report that Arsenal are in the market for a full-back and have identified Cancelo as a potential target. However, given there is still two years remaining on his contract, City are to demand a steep price and there remains a 'gap in valuation in early verbal talks between the two clubs.' It's added that Mikel Arteta's side are looking to be 'very ambitious' this summer as they look to push City even further next year.
Meanwhile, Aymeric Laporte has reportedly emerged as a shock target for Aston Villa. The centre-back's future is in question after slipping down the defensive pecking order this season and he has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. However, according to 90min, Villa may offer him a route to stay in the Premier League.
Despite a terrible start last term, Villa rallied under new manager Unai Emery and secured a spot in the Europa Conference League and reportedly have 'ambitious plans' to capitalise on the success. Laporte or Villarreal's Paul Torres are said to be on the club's 'shopping list.'
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