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Arsenal contemplating summer swoop for Joao Cancelo

By on March 20, 2023

Joao Cancelo

Arsenal are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo in the summer, as per the transfer journalist Steve Bates.

The 28-year-old joined Manchester City back in 2019 from Serie A giants Juventus and straightaway established himself as an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s side’s starting Xl, helping the Citizens in winning two Premier League titles and an EFL Cup over the last few years.

However, after falling out with Guardiola, Cancelo was shifted out on loan to German giants Bayern Munich this winter, though has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at the Allianz Arena. It has been reported that Julian Nagelsmann hasn’t been impressed by the Portugal international so the defender will be allowed to return to Man City after the conclusion of his loan deal this summer.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Bates has claimed that Arsenal are looking to take advantage of this situation and could make a swoop for Cancelo if the player becomes available at the end of this season.

Cancelo to Arsenal

However, the journalist says that the Gunners will face a stern challenge from Chelsea and Real Madrid in getting any potential deal done for the Portuguese as they are also interested in signing him in the summer.

Bates said:

“Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with him and there’s no doubt that if he was to be sold by Manchester City, then a lot of Premier League clubs in the top four or five would definitely be after him, as would many of the top clubs in Europe. I think Real Madrid have been looking at him as well.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu has been struggling with his injury problems this term and in addition, he has failed to replicate his form from last season. So, Ben White – who is a centre-back by trade – has been Arsenal’s first choice right-back this season.

Arsenal are seemingly looking for a new right-back for next year as they have been linked with Ivan Fresneda in recent months. But, it appears Cancelo is also on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist.

Having already worked with the Portugal international at the Etihad Stadium, Arteta knows how to bring the best out of the 28-year-old. So, Cancelo – valued at around £61m by Transfermarkt – could be an excellent signing for Arsenal if they manage to lure him to the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season.