Arsenal have been linked with a surprise move for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo as his future at the Etihad Stadium looks set to end this summer
Arsenal completed the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City last summer. Now, Mikel Arteta could be set to raid the Etihad Stadium for yet another one of Pep Guardiola's star players.
A report from the Telegraph states that Arsenal are interested in signing Cancelo, although they fear that the Citizens won't be so willing to sell to them this summer following deals to sign Jesus and Zinchenko last summer. The report adds that the Gunners want to strengthen at full-back this summer and could revive their interest in Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda, if they aren't able to sign Cancelo at the end of the current campaign.
Other areas that Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer include centre-back, central midfield and attack. Sporting director Edu Gaspar is set for a busy transfer window which could see the Gunners spend over £200million on new signings.
Arsenal's move for Rice could see them invest a large amount of their transfer budget into a deal for the England international, leaving them short for money to bolster other areas of Mikel Arteta's squad. Signing Cancelo would help cover a few key areas for the Gunners and help save them money on other targets.
The Portugal international can play at right-back, left-back and as a winger meaning he would provide quality cover for Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko. A move for Cancelo could also see White return to centre-back if Arteta opts to start the current City defender in his favoured position on the right side of defence.
The Hammers captain can also provide cover at centre-back, but with Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga looking set to leave the club this may not be viable next season. Cancelo's arrival would not only add quality, experience of winning titles and weaken a Premier League rival - it could actually save the Gunners over £50million to spend elsewhere on the squad.
Arteta worked with the 28-year-old during their time together at City and could reunite with Cancelo at Arsenal - as he did with Jesus and Zinchenko. The Portuguese defender had previously been considered to be one of the best full-backs in the Premier League and he could prove to be a huge asset for the Gunners as they prepare for a return to the Champions League and look to maintain their status as title challengers.