Arsenal may have upper hand over Barcelona in pursuit of Man City defender

Joao Cancelo has become a hot topic in the transfer market lately. The reputed right-back is set to return to Etihad this summer after completing his short loan spell at Bayern Munich. His services won’t be retained by the Bundesliga champions, which has put multiple clubs on red alert.

Barcelona are among such clubs interested in acquiring the services of Cancelo. The Portuguese international has even been identified as the club’s number-one target in the right-back position this summer, though they can only afford a loan deal for now.

However, according to Diario SPORT, Arsenal could pour water over Barcelona’s hopes of signing Cancelo at the end of the season.

The report points out that the Premier League giants are ready to sign Cancelo on a permanent deal this summer. They have already contacted the player’s representative and started negotiating a deal with Man City.

Man City have put Cancelo in the transfer market, as the player does not have a good relationship with Pep Guardiola. But the English champions are favouring a sale, which puts Arsenal ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign the right-back.

The Catalans, as mentioned earlier, can only afford a loan deal. Although club president Joan Laporta has an excellent relationship with Jorge Mendes, who is hopeful of helping Barça sign Cancelo, the Portuguese super-agent is likely to hear other offers.

The proposal from Arsenal, in particular, could be tantalising. Therefore, Barcelona are likely to face disappointment in the pursuit of the Portuguese international, as he looks to take the next step in his career.

Barcelona have no shortage of alternatives, though, and are likely to shift their attention to other targets, in their bid to sign a new right-back this summer.