Arsenal ‘ready to pounce’ on £60m Arteta target, he’s made ‘no secret’ of wanting move

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Arsenal are keen to launch a move for one Mikel Arteta favourite this summer who is ready to cut ties with his parent club.

Arsenal are still keeping tabs on one player who has fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola.

Mikel Arteta knows Joao Cancelo well from the time the Spanish coach spent as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. Cancelo was on the books at the Etihad Stadium when Arteta was still working there, until he was handed the hot-seat in the Emirates Stadium dugout in December 2019.

In his time at Manchester City, Cancelo caught the eye with his tactical flexibility and attacking instincts. As a full-back, he is comfortable operating on either flank. The Portuguese ace is also strong enough in possession to drift into the middle of the park.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White have both played inverted roles for Arsenal this season, from left-back and right-back, respectively. Cancelo would offer cover and competition for both players. 

Arsenal keen to challenge Barcelona for Joao Cancelo deal

The 29-year-old certainly does not have a future at Manchester City. He has not featured for the reigning Premier League champions since January 2023. First he joined Bayern Munich on loan, and he is now enjoying a temporary stint with Barcelona.

Arsenal showed an interest in signing Cancelo in the most recent summer transfer window, as reported by 90min, before his switch to the Camp Nou was confirmed. 

Now, according to The Sun, the Gunners are once again “ready to pounce” in an effort to secure the player’s signature once his loan move expires. However, Cancelo has apparently made “no secret” of his desire to make his move to Barcelona permanent.

The La Liga giants clearly have an advantage in the race for Cancelo’s services. However, Barcelona have financial difficulties of their own which could make it difficult for them to strike a permanent deal for the 50-cap Portugal international.

Would Joao Cancelo be allowed to join Arsenal?

That being said, Manchester City may well be reluctant to allow the £60 million man to make the move to the Emirates Stadium in any case.

Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko were allowed the make the move from the Etihad Stadium to north London in the summer of 2022, and both players undeniably made the Gunners stronger. Arsenal are now genuine contenders for the Premier League title, and look set to challenge Manchester City to the wire again this season. Guardiola will not want to strengthen Arsenal further in any way if he can help it.