Barcelona target ‘dreams’ of playing for Real Madrid – report

Barcelona are expected to undergo a busy summer transfer window, as the club look to reduce the salary mass and bring in new players ahead of the new season.

One of the players Barça are interested in is Joao Cancelo. As Xavi Hernandez looks to beef up his options in the right-back department, the Manchester City superstar has emerged as the priority option for the club.

Cancelo is coming on the back of a short loan spell at Bayern Munich, but the German giants are unlikely to keep hold of his services, citing Man City’s €70 million price tag. This has put Barcelona on red alert.

Although the Catalans are not in a position to sign Cancelo permanently, they are eyeing a loan move for the Portuguese international. However, it appears the player himself prefers a move to Real Madrid over Barcelona.

This has been reported by Abendzeitung, which suggests the Man City star ‘dreams’ of playing for Real Madrid despite the interest from Barcelona.

It must be mentioned that Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Cancelo as well. They even had the opportunity to sign the player in January, but the club did not make a move. But as we approach the summer transfer window, there is growing pressure on the board to go after a quality right-back.

Cancelo, who is also capable of playing as a left-back, is an excellent fit for Los Blancos. He could be a perfect signing for Barcelona as well, as the Blaugrana are set to bid farewell to Jordi Alba. In addition, the club do not have a recognised option in the right-back position.

Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto have largely played the role of a makeshift right-back, but the former has complained about his role while Roberto is currently in the final stage of his career. Missing out on Cancelo, therefore, could be a big blow for Barcelona in this summer transfer window.