Arsenal rival Barcelona by opening Joao Cancelo talks

Barcelona remain in talks with Manchester City over a potential loan deal for Joao Cancelo, although Arsenal have also now opened negotiations with the full-back, 90min understands.

Cancelo suddenly fell out of favour at City last season and finished the campaign on loan at Bayern Munich. The 29-year-old featured during pre-season for Pep Guardiola's team but has not been included in matchday squads for the Community Shield, Premier League opener or UEFA Super Cup.

The rise of home-grown star Rico Lewis was a factor in that, with City typing the 18-year-old to a new long-term contract until the summer of 2028 just this week.

Having seen Jordi Alba leave Camp Nou and still also lacking a specialist right-back, Barcelona have been interested a move for the versatile Cancelo for some time already.

90min understands that the player has agreed personal terms with Barca, despite interest coming from the Saudi Pro League. He wants to join the Catalans, although there remains an issue over the negotiations between the clubs regarding the nature of a proposed deal.

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Any transfer would be a loan first. However, City are seeking an obligation to buy at the end of the loan periods worth £51m (€60m), whereas Barca are hoping for a non-mandatory option to make it permanent for a lower price of £43m (€50m).

There is also an element of urgency for Barca regarding Cancelo too. 90min understands that Arsenal pose a threat and have already held talks with the player’s representatives.

The Gunners had spent £40m to solve their right-back problem by signing Jurrien Timber from Ajax earlier this summer. The Dutchman had made an impressive start, before succumbing to a long-term knee injury that has required surgery. Arsenal were already firm admirers of Cancelo and the need to replace Timber could see them go back into the market.

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