Joao Cancelo is the latest Manchester City player to be mooted as a potential transfer target for Arsenal.
The north Londoners signed both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from the Citizens last summer and it is claimed that they are now interested in prizing Cancelo away from the Etihad Stadium. The Portuguese international had spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at German side Bayern Munich after falling out with City boss Pep Guardiola earlier on in the season.
His future in Manchester remains uncertain so football.london has rounded up all the latest transfer chatter on Cancelo and his future with the Premier League champions.
Arsenal still interested
Arsenal are still showing interest in a move for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo this summer, according to German news outlet Kicker. The Gunners are currently looking to close out deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, but could soon turn their attention to the Portuguese international.
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Man City set new asking price
Arsenal have been given a transfer boost for Joao Cancelo with Manchester City significantly lowering their asking price this summer.
As per Spanish outlet Sport, City would sanction an exit if an interested club pays €40million (£34.6m).
Bayern make final decision
With the Bundesliga season over, Joao Cancelo's loan at Bayern Munich has also expired and he will now return to Manchester City.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern have made their final decision on his future by not activating the £70million buy option.
Thomas Tuchel admission
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has provided a fresh transfer stance on Joao Cancelo with Arsenal interested in signing the Manchester City man this summer.
In a press conference, he said: “I have the impression that Joao Cancelo feels very comfortable here. But all parties are part of the decision.
“His desire in training is unique. I have the feeling that he's really happy. We'll discuss everything else after the end of the season."
Man City problem
As per the Telegraph, Arsenal are interested in Cancelo, although they fear that the Citizens won't be so willing to sell to them this summer following deals to sign Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko 12 months ago.
The report goes on to say that the Gunners want to strengthen at full-back this summer and could revive their interest in Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda if they aren't able to sign Cancelo at the end of the current campaign.
It is claimed that the north London club's hunt for a defender has become more urgent amid fears that Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu may struggle to play much before the turn of the year following his knee injury, with the club also willing to sell out-of-favour left-back Kieran Tierney.
Bayern Munich exit
According to Sky Germany, Cancelo has no long-term future at Bayern. Writing on Twitter, German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg said: "News #Cancelo: Been told that it‘s very difficult to sign him permanently.
"Even Cancelo himself does not expect to play for Bayern beyond the end of the season. Tendency at this stage: He will leave Bayern in summer but the bosses are trying to find a solution. Option to buy: €70m. @SkySportDE."
Guardiola on future
Pep Guardiola has been quizzed over the future of Cancelo, but has often been coy on any discussion surrounding the summer transfer window. Speaking in March, he said: "Joao [Cancelo] is a player for Bayern Munich, I don’t have any comments. He’s at Bayern Munich, at the end of the season we will review all the cases of players."
U-turn hint
Cancelo has suggested that he may yet have a future at City, claiming he is still hopeful of celebrating the Premier League title with them. Speaking to O Jogo, he said: "Will I still celebrate an English title with City? I hope so. I created a second family there...
"Of course, in England I’m rooting for them and I hope they win so that at the end of the season I can be celebrating a title in England and another in Germany. City’s group is spectacular, it’s the best I’ve ever worked in, both as a group and personally. I created great friendships."
Arsenal interest
Arsenal are among a number of teams eyeing a move for Joao Cancelo in the summer transfer window, according to reports from 90Min. It is claimed that Man City are unlikely to reintegrate the defender back into the squad, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also showing interest.
