Arsenal still interested in Barcelona right-back target, ask player to wait for them

Even as it appeared that Barcelona were closing in on the signing of Joao Cancelo, they seem to have run into a hurdle as Arsenal are meddling with the possible transfer.

Barça have been working hard to sign a new right-back and seemed to have made major progress in their attempts to sign Cancelo from Manchester City.

It was suggested that a loan transfer with a permanent buy option was close to being finalised, with personal terms also agreed upon with the player.

Arsenal revive interest in Cancelo

There are some differences with Man City over the amount for the permanent purchase clause and Arsenal have now intervened in the proceedings to try and sign Cancelo, reports SPORT.

The Gunners have held a long-standing interest in the 29-year-old Portuguese international and had been willing to sign him permanently earlier this summer.

But the move eventually fizzled out as the Gunners ended up signing Jurrien Timber from AFC Ajax.

But the Dutchman’s injury and the possibility of Kieran Tierney leaving have seemingly led to Mikel Arteta’s team reviving their interest in Cancelo.

As per the report, Arsenal have confirmed their intentions to the player and have asked him to wait for them to make a move as they need to make a few sales.

Barcelona are aware of the movements from the Gunners but are confident about signing Cancelo as they have secured an agreement over personal terms with him.

However, they are eager to close the deal at the earliest possible and Cancelo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is set to meet with officials from Manchester City later today to discuss the move.

With there still being no agreement with the English and European champions over the permanent purchase fee, Barça will be aiming to get it done soon and close the door on a possible hijack from Arsenal.