Joao Cancelo to Arsenal takes shape as Mikel Arteta agent relations give Gunners priority

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who was assistant to Pep Guardiola between 2016 and 2019, is thought to be interested in signing Joao Cancelo from Manchester City this summer

Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo has 'been mentioned' in conversations between Arsenal and the player's representatives according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, with the two parties said to have 'a good relationship.'

Cancelo joined the Cityzens in 2019 and went on to play a major role in title wins during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 campaigns.

He also impressed before the World Cup this season under Pep Guardiola, before seemingly falling out with Spaniard over a lack of game time and joining Bayern Munich on loan in January.

A permanent move to Bayern does appear unlikely considering the buy option in his contract stands at a lofty €70million (£61m).

And Romano's comments suggest that a potential move is realistic. Speaking on the House of Champions Podcast he said: “On Cancelo what I think happened is that Arsenal have a good relationship with his agents, so with the conversations they are having, Cancelo is one of the names they discussed.

"It’s not clear what will happen with Cancelo yet. Tuchel said that they have to speak at the end of the season. The conversation between Bayern and Man City will be crucial.”

The Gunners look likely to sign further defensive reinforcement this summer after several injuries exposed the lack of depth across the back line.

Ivan Fresneda, Marc Guehi, Edmond Tapsoba, and Mohamad Simakan are defenders being monitored by Arsenal ahead of the summer window.