Arsenal transfer news: Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer
Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo has again been linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Summer signing Jurrien Timber sustained a nasty knee injury during Saturday's 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest. That could result in the Gunners dipping into the transfer market before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
So, football.london has rounded up all the latest transfer chatter on the Portugal international and his future with the Premier League champions.
Move considered
Spanish outlet SPORT have reported that Arsenal are back in the race to sign Cancelo, who is also being pursued by Barcelona.
It is claimed that the north Londoners have confirmed their intentions to the player, asking him to wait for them to make some sales, potentially including left-back Kieran Tierney. The Catalan giants are said to still be confident that they can win the race for the versatile fullback, having already agreed personal terms with the 29-year-old.
City stance
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, City may be unwilling to sell another player to the Gunners considering they are now title rivals. "The knee injury for Jurrien Timber is a serious problem for Arsenal, so we’ll have to see who could be on their list now," Romano said, via Caught Offside.
"We wish the best to Timber, let’s hope it won’t be a long injury, but it looks like a significant one, so Arsenal will explore the market. Earlier in the summer, Arsenal looked at bringing in a ‘traditional’ centre-back, more than a versatile player like Timber, who can play everywhere in defence.
"One player they appreciate is Aymeric Laporte – the rumours are true in the sense that he is liked by Arsenal. But the problem is Manchester City don’t want to sell another player to Arsenal, they prefer another destination for him, so let’s see if Arsenal return for Laporte or if they try to replace Timber with a full-back instead.
"Internal discussions will take place on that, with Mikel Arteta involved."
Deal agreed
Joao Cancelo looks set to sign for Barcelona this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, Cancelo has agreed personal terms with Barca.
The Portuguese defender wants the move and Xavi wants him since January as a priority target. Talks between Barcelona and Manchester City are now ongoing over the structure of the deal.
Arsenal had been linked with a move for Cancelo with Mikel Arteta keen on signing a new right-back, but it seems the Gunners have missed their chance.
Barcelona talks
According to talkSPORT, La Liga champions Barcelona have begun talks with City over acquiring the full-back, who arrived in Manchester from Juventus in 2019 for £60m.
Pep Guardiola's side are believed to prefer selling the Portuguese international over another loan agreement and Barcelona could be in a position to meet City's demands following the sale of Ousmane Dembele.
Arsenal still interested
Arsenal are still showing interest in a move for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo this summer, according to German news outlet Kicker. The Gunners are currently looking to close out deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, but could soon turn their attention to the Portuguese international.
Man City set new asking price
Arsenal have been given a transfer boost for Joao Cancelo with Manchester City significantly lowering their asking price this summer.
As per Spanish outlet Sport, City would sanction an exit if an interested club pays €40million (£34.6m).
Bayern make final decision
With the Bundesliga season over, Joao Cancelo's loan at Bayern Munich has also expired and he will now return to Manchester City.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern have made their final decision on his future by not activating the £70million buy option.
Thomas Tuchel admission
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has provided a fresh transfer stance on Joao Cancelo with Arsenal interested in signing the Manchester City man this summer.
In a press conference, he said: “I have the impression that Joao Cancelo feels very comfortable here. But all parties are part of the decision.
“His desire in training is unique. I have the feeling that he's really happy. We'll discuss everything else after the end of the season."
Man City problem
As per the Telegraph, Arsenal are interested in Cancelo, although they fear that the Citizens won't be so willing to sell to them this summer following deals to sign Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko 12 months ago.
The report goes on to say 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.
It is claimed that the north London club's hunt for a defender has become more urgent amid fears that Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu may struggle to play much before the turn of the year following his knee injury, with the club also willing to sell out-of-favour left-back Kieran Tierney.
Bayern Munich exit
According to Sky Germany, Cancelo has no long-term future at Bayern. Writing on Twitter, German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg said: "News #Cancelo: Been told that it‘s very difficult to sign him permanently.
"Even Cancelo himself does not expect to play for Bayern beyond the end of the season. Tendency at this stage: He will leave Bayern in summer but the bosses are trying to find a solution. Option to buy: €70m. @SkySportDE."
Guardiola on future
Pep Guardiola has been quizzed over the future of Cancelo, but has often been coy on any discussion surrounding the summer transfer window. Speaking in March, he said: "Joao [Cancelo] is a player for Bayern Munich, I don’t have any comments. He’s at Bayern Munich, at the end of the season we will review all the cases of players."
U-turn hint
Cancelo has suggested that he may yet have a future at City, claiming he is still hopeful of celebrating the Premier League title with them. Speaking to O Jogo, he said: "Will I still celebrate an English title with City? I hope so. I created a second family there...
"Of course, in England I’m rooting for them and I hope they win so that at the end of the season I can be celebrating a title in England and another in Germany. City’s group is spectacular, it’s the best I’ve ever worked in, both as a group and personally. I created great friendships."
Arsenal interest
Arsenal are among a number of teams eyeing a move for Joao Cancelo in the summer transfer window, according to reports from 90Min. It is claimed that Man City are unlikely to reintegrate the defender back into the squad, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also showing interest.