Arsenal plot SHOCK Deadline Day hijack of Barcelona's Cancelo transfer
Tom Weber
- Updated: 1 Sept 2023 12:59 BST
- 4 min read
Arsenal and Bayern are trying to exploit the uncertainty surrounding Barcelona's Joao Cancelo deal, according to reports.
The Portuguese looked destined to finally link up with the Blaugrana. After falling out of favour at Manchester City last year, Barcelona looked to Cancelo to solve their right-back issues but the Cityzens unexpectedly pulled out of the talks and the 29-year-old went to Bayern instead.
This summer, Barcelona have once again been trying to strike a deal and they were making good progress. The sales of Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie freed up enough resources to ostensibly make a move possible and many had considered a loan a done deal.
READ: Barcelona reach transfer AGREEMENT for €127m man
But then the club's financial issues reared their ugly head again. Barcelona have still not received the green light from LaLiga to complete the transfer and they have been trying to drop the option to buy from the deal in order to ease concerns about Financial Fair Play.
This delay has, however, emboldened other clubs to make a move.
📝 OFFICIAL 📝
EVERY confirmed transfer from deadline day so far 👇— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 1, 2023
Arsenal and Bayern interested
At least that is what is being reported. Spanish outlet Sport reported earlier today that an unnamed Champions League club had made a late move for Cancelo, which later turned out to be Bayern.
Now, journalist Hrach Khachatryan has claimed that Arsenal are also in talks with Cancelo's camp regarding a potential loan move. Former Man City assistant Mikel Arteta is a long-time admirer of the full-back, as revealed by FootballTransfers in June, and the injury to Jurrien Timber has forced Arsenal to explore the defensive market, though a late signing appeared unlikely until recently.
READ: Arsenal braced for Deadline Day FLURRY as first transfer CONFIRMED
This situation is one to keep an eye on, though Barcelona remain confident of striking a deal, even reportedly making the gaffe of accidentally adding shirts with Cancelo flock to their official store.
