Arsenal Set to Launch Opening Bid for Manchester City’s Cancelo
In the midst of the summer transfer window, Arsenal’s pursuit of Manchester City’s Portuguese full-back, João Cancelo, has taken center stage. A report has revealed that talks between the Gunners and Cancelo’s camp have progressed positively since May, heightening expectations of a potential move.
It comes as no surprise that Arsenal has been eyeing Cancelo for a while, with several reports pointing that Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his backline by adding the City man to his young team.
Arsenal continue to hold an interest in full-back João Cancelo although there is a gap between Manchester City’s valuation and what Arsenal are prepared to pay in early negotiations between the clubs. 🇵🇹
[via @skysports_sheth]. pic.twitter.com/JNzKPeBlS6
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 6, 2023
Manchester City’s asking price for Cancelo is reportedly around £45 million (€53m). However, Arsenal intend to test the waters with an opening bid of £35m in the coming days, indicating their keenness to secure the services of the talented full-back.
Cancelo arrived at the Etihad in 2019 in a deal worth €65m. However, a falling out between the player and City manager Pep Guardiola led to a loan move to Bayern Munich in January.
During his time with the Bavarians, Cancelo played a crucial role in their triumphant 11th consecutive Bundesliga title win. Yet, Bayern Munich has no intention of keeping him permanently, especially not at City’s asking price.
BREAKING: Sadio Mane and Joao Cancelo do not have long term futures at Bayern Munich, according to Sky Germany ⚽❌ pic.twitter.com/8rVaboTfev
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 16, 2023
While Barcelona remains an attractive destination for Cancelo, the Catalan giants must sell players before making any significant acquisitions. Moreover, City’s interference in January halted Cancelo’s expected transfer to the Camp Nou, raising questions about the English club’s willingness to allow him to join their Spanish rivals.
On Arsenal’s side, there are doubts regarding Guardiola’s eagerness to strengthen a direct competitor. The Gunners’ acquisition of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City last season inadvertently contributed to their rise as title contenders.
Guardiola and the City hierarchy may hesitate to further bolster Arsenal’s squad, considering the implications it may have on the Premier League title race.
As negotiations unfold, the football world eagerly awaits the outcome of this intriguing transfer saga. Will Arsenal’s opening bid be enough to secure Cancelo’s services, or will Barcelona rekindle their interest in the player? Only time will tell as the summer transfer window continues to provide twists and turns.
JUST TURNED 29. Seems a lotof money, if we pay £45 mill to me. Doubt City will let him come to us anyway.
I would not be gutted anyway if, as I believe, it doesnt happen.
45 million is too much but 35 I could live with. He’s versatile and fantastic. Knows the league, prime age.
Has at least 3 good seasons in him.
I wonder if we could cheekily loan Mane from Bayern?
Mane’s a good shout for loan
Totally agree !
Pay 45m pounds for a 29 years old to start running up and down the flank? I don’t know why Arteta glories in buying scraps and junks! Why not go for 24 years old psg Hakimi, who is better than Cancelo by a distance? Even if it means giving psg 71m pounds. Why are you so desperate to change Tomiyasu?
I thought Ben White is our 1st choice right back?
He’s unnatural as a right back. Denzel dumfries, Joao Cancelo would make this team Unbelievable.
Tomiyasu’s attacking output leaves much to be desired. He’s very solid defensively. Should be converted to center back and used sparingly in rightback.
Cancelo is a goal for arsenal. Let go for it. It’s one of the best thing that will happen to arsenal if this deal materialize.
i am not comfortable with this deal, i prefer pervis estupinan of brighton over him
Didnt Cancelo have disciplinary issues at City. He doesnt take kindly to benching and I am sure Arteta knows him well from his City days. If Arsenal are still making the bid to sign him, I am sure Arteta has a plan for Cancelo and surely the player has the requisite talent to take Arsenal to the next level.
Doesn’t make sense, unless we shift Zinchenko into midfield, because Cancelo would be too expensive and too good to be a squad player. It would be a similar situation to what we have now with Tierney.
Personally I feel the Cancelo links are just the usual lazy football journalism. The Arteta links from his City day, hence Cancelo MUST be a target for Arsenal.
We already have an established excellent tight back in Ben White with a more than able back up (when fit) in Yomiyasu, who is very good going forward as well as defensively. He’s also two footed meaning he can play on either flank. I think we need players in other positions rather than spend a lot of money on ageing Cancelo.
M.A. is looking for players who can contribute more goals across the pitch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this materialize