HAMBURG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Barcelona at Volksparkstadion on November 07, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
HAMBURG, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 07:
Joao Cancelo of FC Barcelona reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Barcelona at Volksparkstadion on November 07, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
With his future at the club hanging in the balance, Arsenal emerge once again as a potential suitor amidst the financial constraints of Barcelona and the clear intent of Manchester City to sell.
Cancelo has established himself as a vital part of Barcelona’s setup, effectively addressing their long-standing issues at right-back. His impact has been so significant that Barcelona are keen on retaining him.
However, this desire clashes with the intentions of Manchester City, his parent club.
Initial indications suggest that Manchester City are not inclined to extend his loan for another year, with Cancelo’s market value pegged at around €50 million.
The English club, while open to lowering this price, are nonetheless aiming for a lucrative sale this summer while Barcelona want to extend their loan for the defender.
This situation has been further complicated by the fact that Cancelo’s arrival at Barcelona was anything but straightforward.
Manchester City initially offered the player to several clubs, including Arsenal and teams from Saudi Arabia. However, Cancelo’s firm decision to play for Barcelona halted these negotiations, leading to his current loan at Camp Nou, where he became the latest player to agree to a salary reduction to sign for them.
According to a report from Sport in Spain, Barcelona’s strategy revolves around extending the loan for another season.
HAMBURG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: João Cancelo of Barcelona in action during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Barcelona at Volksparkstadion on November 07, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
HAMBURG, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 07:
João Cancelo of Barcelona in action during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Barcelona at Volksparkstadion on November 07, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
This, as noted above, contrasts with Manchester City‘s plans, which involve a definitive sale this summer. They do not consider him part of their future and want to move on as soon as possible.
A possible resolution that has been suggested could be a loan with an obligatory purchase clause exceeding €35 million, but Barcelona are reluctant to commit to such figures, no matter how well Cancelo has been performing.
The key to this intricate situation could be Cancelo himself. His comfort and starting role at Barcelona are undeniable, and his desire to continue could be pivotal in the negotiations.
While Barcelona recognises the challenges ahead, Cancelo’s enhanced value as part of their squad is not lost on Manchester City, who are confident of securing a sale in the summer.If Cancelo remains adamant about his preference, it would necessitate a negotiation between the two clubs. However, the possibility of other offers in the coming months adds another layer of complexity to this already intricate scenario.
In the midst of this, Arsenal‘s interest, which was genuine during the summer could resurface as a viable option for the Portuguese player.
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