Joao Cancelo attracting interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich & Barcelona for potential signing

According to sources at 90min, Joao Cancelo is unlikely to return to Manchester City's first team next season, as several top European clubs have expressed interest in signing him.

Cancelo was surprisingly sent on loan to Bayern Munich during the second half of the 2022/23 season, and even received boos from City fans when he came on as a substitute during Bayern's Champions League quarter-final defeat at the Etihad Stadium in April. Initially struggling to secure a spot under Julian Nagelsmann, Cancelo has since become more of a regular under Thomas Tuchel's guidance. Bayern have a €70m option to buy Cancelo when his loan expires, but they have publicly stated that this price is too high. However, sources indicate that the German champions would still like to keep him.

In addition to Bayern, other major clubs across Europe are keen on Cancelo. Barcelona has been monitoring his situation and would reportedly be interested in entering the race for his signature if they could sign him on an initial loan. Arsenal, where Cancelo's former City colleague Mikel Arteta is now manager, is also keen on his services, with Arteta reportedly believing that he could fit well into the Gunners' current tactical setup. Real Madrid is also interested in the 28-year-old as they search for a right-back beyond veteran Dani Carvajal. Cancelo's camp is said to be exploring the possibility of him landing at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Cancelo arrived at Manchester City in 2019 from Juventus in a deal that sent Danilo the other way. He became the most expensive right-back in history at the time. Initially struggling to dislodge Kyle Walker from the side, Cancelo eventually became a regular at left-back, proving his versatility as he helped City win consecutive Premier League titles in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

On the latest episode of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey, and Toby Cudworth discuss the possibility of Neymar joining Newcastle, Jude Bellingham's plans for his future, and Lionel Messi potentially leaving PSG. If you cannot see the embed, click here to listen to the podcast!