Barcelona-linked Manchester City defender set to join Bayern Munich on loan

In pursuit of a right-back the coming summer, Barcelona have been linked with a fair few options, including and not limited to the likes of Malo Gusto, Benjamin Pavard, Juan Foyth, Arnau Martinez, and even Joao Cancelo.

They have received a huge blow in their pursuit of Cancelo, though, with David Ornstein reporting that the Portuguese is closing in on a move to Bayern Munich in the summer.

This shock deal comes on the back of Noussair Mazraoui’s injury, and Benjamin Pavard’s decision to leave in the summer – with none other than Barcelona themselves keen on signing him.

Cancelo has not enjoyed a ton of minutes this season, often dropping out from the starting lineup in favour of Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake. Consequentially, there have been ton of rumours surrounding his exit, with reports claiming that Spanish clubs were keeping tabs on him.

Barcelona currently have Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto, and Hector Bellerin as options for that position. While Xavi has been impressed with the Frenchman in that position, he is not a natural right-back, and his long-term future most likely lies as a centre-back.

As for the Spanish duo, it seems the club is not convinced with their performances. Bellerin, particularly, is not going to receive a contract extension beyond this summer, and will leave as a free agent.

He was linked to Sporting Lisbon on a loan move, but it seems the transfer will not go through after the Portuguese giants have halted Pedro Porro’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

As for Roberto, Xavi is said to have asked the club to hand him another extension, but the player is not ready to take another pay-cut after already taking one last summer.

Barcelona will likely turn all their attention towards Bayern Munich’s Pavard, who is happy to join the Catalans in the summer.