Arsenal are among a host of clubs expressing an interest in the signature of an out-of-favour member of the defensive ranks at Premier League rivals Manchester City, according to reports.
The player in question? Joao Cancelo.
Versatile full-back Cancelo, of course, was granted a surprise loan departure from Manchester in January, after falling out of favour under the watch of Pep Guardiola.
The Portuguese, in turn, went on to make the move to Germany, linking up with perennial Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for the remainder of the term.
Ensuing reports over the last couple of months, though, have assured that the powers that be at the Allianz Arena have no intention of coughing up the €70 million agreed option to make Cancelo’s arrival permanent.
A summer return to The Etihad is therefore on the cards, at which time the former Juventus and Inter Milan man’s future will be thrown back up in the air once more.
This comes amid suggestions that no fewer than four European heavyweights are expressing a keen interest in his signature.
In Spain, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been tipped as potential landing spots, whilst Bayern would too be keen to bring the defender back to the club, albeit at a less exorbitant price.
Most notable, though, is alleged interest on the part of Arsenal.
After spending a short spell alongside Cancelo at Man City, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is understood to have been impressed by the talents of the 28-year-old, of the opinion that he would be an ideal fit in his developing project in north London.
A summer offer on Arsenal’s part, as a result, could well be on the cards.
Arsenal and Barcelona both have an interest in Joao Cancelo.
Bayern Munich would like to keep him in Germany, following his loan move. Unlikely that he has a future at Manchester City following his January move.@90min_Football
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) May 11, 2023
