Manchester City and Arsenal are “in talks” about a potential swap involving Joao Cancelo and Kieran Tierney, according to FootballTransfers.com.
The website claims that City boss Pep Guardiola is keen on recruiting Tierney who can play both at left-back and centre-half, whilst he is willing to let Cancelo leave:
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
Arsenal and Man City are in talks to swap Kieran Tierney and Joao Cancelo 👀
FULL DETAILS 👇https://t.co/t02b0BxigR
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) May 17, 2023
It is believed that the main stumbling block would be City’s valuation of Cancelo. The Portuguese international is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, and while they are not expected to sign him on permanent basis, the Bundesliga champions can buy the player if they are willing to shell out €70m (£60.8m).
FootballTransfers.com report that City would expect Arsenal to pay as similar fee if they want Cancelo, and Tierney is not thought to be valued at the same price.
With the former Celtic player keen on leaving the Emirates for first-team football, though, the Gunners would be prepared to offload him, but it remains to be seen what sort of additional cash they are looking to offer to ensure Cancelo moves in the other direction.
Why are City interested in Tierney?
In recent months, City have switched to a back three, and Tierney’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a perfect understudy for Nathan Ake.
The Dutchman has had his injury problems so finding a decent backup to play on the left-hand side of defence is a priority.
