Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could reportedly miss out on the signing of Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo.
Arsenal interested in Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo
Journalist Dean Jones told GiveMeSport on June 30 that Arsenal want to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
The reporter said at the time that the Gunners were going to focus on Cancelo once they had wrapped up transfer deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.
Midfielder Rice has since completed his move from West Ham United, while defender Timber has moved from Ajax.
Football Transfers also reported in June Arsenal’s interest in Cancelo, claiming that manager Mikel Arteta was planning to play the full-back at right-back.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport earlier this month that Arsenal appreciate Cancelo and remain interested in him.
Back in May, Sport claimed that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola personally wanted Cancelo to leave the club for good.
The report in the Spanish publication claimed interest from La Liga champions Barcelona in the £180,000-a-week (SalarySport) “outstanding” Portugal international full-back.
Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan from City in the January transfer window for the second half of last season.
Potential U-turn from Pep Guardiola
The Sun (print edition, page 65, July 30, 2023) is now reporting that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could keep Cancelo in his squad for next season.
The report in the British tabloid has claimed that Guardiola has been impressed by Cancelo’s “attitude and humility on tour”.
If Kyle Walker leaves for Bayern in the summer transfer window, then City could reportedly keep Cancelo if they are unable to find a suitable replacement for the English right-back.
Cancelo has made 98 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.
The full-back has scored five goals, given 11 assists and kept 41 clean sheets in those games.
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