Arsenal have commenced the first round of talks to sign Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, according to multiple sources.
Cancelo is free to exit the Etihad this summer after things turned sour between him and Pep Guardiola in January.
Guardiola offered the Portuguese his blessings to join Bayern Munich on a short term loan in the winter transfer window.
However, Joao Cancelo failed to impress in his loan spell with the Bavarians despite receiving game time from both Julian Nagglesman and Thomas Tuchel this season.
Bayern Munich are also hesitant to fork out the £60 million buyout clause in his loan deal that would make the deal permanent.
That has opened the midfielder to several suitors interested in acquiring the services of the former Juventus man.
Based on reports from Sky Sports, Arsenal have surfaced as the club keenly interested in securing the services of Cancelo.
Sky Sports report that the North London club have begun conversations with the player to discuss the prospects of signing the defender.
But Joao Cancelo would prefer a move to the Spanish La Liga, a league where he previously played in from 2014 till 2017.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta understands the kind of player the 29-year-old is, having previously coached him during his time as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad.
Meanwhile, according to German media outlet Kicker, Cancelo has opted for a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid.
It has been reported that both clubs are also admiring the possibility of having the defender in their fold.
Manchester City are unwilling to agree to another loan and will request for a £43 million fee from any team looking to secure the services of Joao Cancelo permanently.
That could put Arsenal in pole position to land the former Valencia defender as Barcelona’s current financial difficulties imply they will need to sell a player before they buy.
Real Madrid will also be looking at spending wisely to fit into their budget as they have reportedly secured the services of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham’s transfer fee to the Spanish capital is £115 million and we don’t know the amount Los Blancos have remaining in their kitty for this summer.
The Spanish heavyweights are also still interested in getting the signature of Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane.
Spurs are requesting for a minimum of £100 million in spite of the England International having a year left on his deal.
That has left Arsenal in domineering position to acquire Joao Cancelo, in spite of planning huge money moves for Declan Rice from West Ham and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
The Portugal International has made 154 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 9 goals and providing 22 assists in the process.
