The agent Jorge Mendes was in Barcelona a few days ago to discuss many market issues and one of them was the possible arrival of Joao Cancelo at the Catalan club.
Mendes is brokering a favourable loan deal for the Portuguese full-back for one season with an option to buy. Cancelo wants to come and Barça are keen to add a right-sided defender despite the fact that a few weeks ago it was not a priority.
Barça's sporting department is planning a real puzzle with the ins and outs for the next season's project in order to avoid breaching the salary limit and be able to register players.
Initially, coach Xavi preferred to reinforce other positions and was content to remain without a right-back, but they are working on the incorporation of a player who could arrive on advantageous economic terms.
Xavi's dream is Juan Foyth, from Villarreal, but the LaLiga club are not negotiating and continue to point out that his release clause is €62 million euros.
There are other advanced options, but the arrival of Cancelo is taking shape. He will not stay at Bayern Munich, where he is on loan, and does not want to return to Manchester City, so Barça could be his ideal destination.
In the January transfer window, City and Pep Guardiola prioritised his departure to Bayern for financial reasons. The German club paid a good amount for the loan, took over his entire salary and signed an option to buy for €70 million, which they will not exercise.
Cancelo could become a problem at City and the player will force his way out. There are other suitors in Italy, but Mendes is working on the Camp Nou route.
The Portugal international is a player that Xavi also likes. He has grown a lot in his years at City. He defends well, has good technique and, above all, offensive projection.
Mendes' job is to get the green light from City and adjust the player's salary as long as Barça commit to signing him in the future if the loan is satisfactory.