One Manchester City ace has admitted he does not want to return to the Etihad Stadium following a loan spell away from the club last season.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are the kings of English football again having won their fourth Premier League title in a row.
Part of the reason behind the club’s success is their superb transfer record with around 80 per cent of the transfers they make turning out to be the correct ones.
If these don’t workout, the club have a brilliant track record of selling these players for decent fees but there is one player they may struggle to shift next season.
City ace on wanting to remain at Barcelona
Following a fall-out with Guardiola, City defender Joao Cancelo was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich before then moving to Xavi’s Barcelona.
The Portuguese defender had a relatively successful loan spell at the Camp Nou, with 32 La Liga appearances under his belt, Cancelo scored two goals and provided four assists for the Spanish giants.
In an interview with outlet FutbolEmotion, the defender was asked about his future at the Spanish club.
“I really like being at Barça, I am very comfortable,” Cancelo said. “My family, my daughter, my wife also. We hope that next year we will be here!”
HITC understands that Barcelona would like to bring Cancelo back but because of the tight financial situation at the club, another loan may well be the only way forward.
The Portuguese defender is understood to not want a return to City which puts the Citizens in a tough position with a sale the club’s preference.
Mike Arteta also keen on Cancelo
Another team who are known admirers of the Portuguese defender is Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Cancelo would become the third City player to move to the Emirates over the past two years if a deal was agreed but the player’s preference is Barcelona.
There has been interest from the Saudi Pro League but the player is not keen on a move to the Middle East.
Cancelo’s options are limited whilst Guardiola remains at the Etihad Stadium. The Spaniard’s future as City manager is unclear so perhaps a return to the club could happen in the future.
But for now, with Guardiola staying next season, Cancelo’s options this summer are certainly limited.
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