Arsenal are willing to make an offer to sign Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo during the summer transfer window, according to Sport.
The Portuguese was linked with the Gunners last summer, but he ended up moving to Barcelona on a season-long loan after accepting a pay-cut.
Cancelo has revealed his desire to continue at the Catalan outfit, but there is still speculation that he could move to another club next season.
Sport report that the Cityzens currently value him at €40 million and prefer to sell him to the ‘highest bidder’ when the transfer window reopens.
Arsenal are among clubs that have shown interest, but Sport add that negotiations have been cut off due to the player’s desire to stay at Barcelona.
The Portuguese, who was described as ‘world-class‘ by Julian Nagelsmann, is adamant that he does not want to discuss with any other European club.
Barcelona have also communicated their intention to re-sign him to the player’s agent Jorge Mendes.
Cancelo speculation could be agent-driven
Mikel Arteta’s side were interested in landing Cancelo last summer, but City were not keen on strengthening the Gunners, having come close to the league title.
This paved the way for Cancelo to join the Blaugrana where he has had a good campaign. He has registered four goals and four assists from 33 appearances for them.
The Gunners continue to be linked with Cancelo, but we believe the speculation is agent-driven.
In our opinion, the ship has already sailed in Cancelo’s case. Arsenal currently have Ben White as an undisputed starter at right-back with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber as cover.
In the left-back role, Jakub Kiwior has been in fantastic form in recent months. The likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Tomiyasu and Timber (when fit) can also operate from the defensive position.
Hence, the Gunners don’t need another full-back in the next transfer window. It is also unlikely that they will pay close to €40m for the Portuguese who will be turning 30 before the season ends.
Mendes is probably behind the ongoing gossip over Cancelo’s future. He is aware that Barcelona want to re-sign him and he is trying to emphasise the point to other European sides through Sport.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
