Barcelona are aware of a new movement from Arsenal to sign Joao Cancelo this summer but have a plan to beat them to the signing.
That’s according to Sport, who say the Catalans are unconcerned by the new, late move from Arsenal and are confident they can secure the Portuguese defender.
The Gunners are reportedly back in the mix for Cancelo’s signature after losing Jurrien Timber, with the Dutchman picking up a knee injury, in the opening day win over Nottingham Forest, that’s set to see him spend months on the sidelines.
That’s robbed Arsenal of one of their major summer signings and left them with a problem at right back and left back, two areas Timber had been bought to strengthen.
Reports in England have stated that will lead them to reignite interest in Cancelo, who is keen to leave Manchester City before the end of the window.
Sport state that they are ‘aware of Arsenal’s movements’ and do believe their interest could complicate things as Manchester City would prefer to sell rather than loan out the full-back, with Barcelona looking for the latter.
The one thing they have in their favour is Mendes, who they’ve been speaking to for a while to establish a potential transfer this summer.
He’s going to have ‘important contact’ with Manchester City today to discuss the deal with Barcelona, who have asked him to push things along and get it done this week.
It is because of that relationship that they think they can beat Barcelona, with them confident Mendes can work out the financial side of things and convince Manchester City to let him go to the Camp Nou on loan.
The plan is to formalise the signing this week and get everything wrapped up, seemingly before Arsenal can seriously insert themselves into the process.
