Barcelona’s interest in Manchester City defender remains strong, Arsenal also keen – Romano

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City intend to find a solution for the future of Joao Cancelo as soon as possible, amid interest from the likes of FC Barcelona and Arsenal.

Cancelo spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Bayern Munich after he had a falling out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola. The Bavarian giants had the option to make his transfer permanent for €70 million, which they have decided not to take up.

The Portuguese international will now be back at the Etihad Stadium, where he does not have a future. As such, the recent treble-winners wish to secure a solution for Cancelo’s future before the start of the pre-season.

Discussions are set to take place soon, with Barcelona’s interest in the former Valencia and Juventus ace understood to be still very strong.

The La Liga champions wish to sign Cancelo to address their right-back issues. However, given their financial situation, the Blaugrana are only looking for a loan deal, whereas Manchester City prefer to offload him on a permanent transfer.

It has opened the way for Arsenal to make a move for Cancelo, with the Gunners open to the possibility of a permanent deal. The update from Romano indicates that Arsenal have already made contacts with the player’s camp about a possible transfer.

Barcelona are in need of a new right-back after having spent the last season using Jules Kounde as a makeshift option in the position. The Frenchman does not wish to continue in the full-back role moving forward, leaving the Catalans short of options.

Sergi Roberto is entering the final phase of his career while Julian Araujo does not have any experience in Europe. As such, the Catalans wish to sign a new right-back, with Cancelo at the top of their wishlist.

But, it remains to be seen if they can secure a loan deal for him from Manchester City, who had blocked the Portuguese international’s move to Barcelona in January.