Arsenal have held talks over a potential move for Manchester City star Joao Cancelo this summer, according to recent reports. The Portugal international has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the transfer window, with his future at City uncertain.
The 29-year-old was one of the first names on the teamsheet at the Etihad Stadium early this season, but he soon fell out of favour with Pep Guardiola. This led to him leaving the club on loan at Bayern Munich, where he helped the side win an 11th Bundesliga in a row.
Despite his stint in Bavaria, the side haven't triggered the reported £60million permanent clause in the loan deal that would see him make the switch. It leaves open the possibility of a move to the Gunners this summer, who are looking to add to their own ranks to strengthen.
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"I am really interested in understanding, reflecting and analysing what we have in the house and what resources we have already," Mikel Arteta said on the decisions ahead. "How we can improve and how we can maximise and take players to a different level, the ones we haven't got everything from. Then the bonus will be to make those decisions and improve the team, but as well we don't want to lose that cohesion that exists around the team and that understanding. Hopefully we make the right decisions."
With the added test of Champions League football next season, the Spaniard will be determined to add some strength in depth to the squad. Cancelo could provide just that in the coming weeks and it appears to have been something that the north London outfit have already looked into.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have held exploratory talks with Cancelo's representatives over a potential move this summer. He told GiveMeSport: "For Cancelo, yes, they are interested. They had some contact and they have very good relationship with these agents, so there was a conversation over the possibility to sign Cancelo."
It remains to be seen whether the deal will be pushed further going into the next few weeks, but it could be a huge deal for the Gunners to get over the line.
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