Barcelona are expected to make an offer for Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo before the transfer window closes, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Despite the Portuguese international effectively being on the transfer list, there have been no serious bids for the defender so far this summer, but Romano claims that could be about to change:
“From what I understand, Barca will try to use part of the budget to bid for Joao Cancelo in the next weeks. So they want to try again for Cancelo after they tried in January.”
Previous reports have suggested that the La Liga champions were only prepared to make a loan offer for the 29-year-old, but they may receive a significant financial boost very soon.
Ousmane Dembele could be set to join Paris Saint-Germain, but the French club have to trigger the winger’s €50m (£43m) release clause before the end of today (Monday 31st July).
If that happens as expected, Barcelona will get the funds they need to finance a move for Cancelo.
City are keen to offload the player
Since returning from Bayern Munich at the start of July, after the Bundesliga side opted against signing him on a permanent basis for €70m (£60m), Cancelo has been in limbo.
He did travel for City’s pre-season tour of the Far East and he made appearances in all three friendlies against Yokohama F Marinos, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
However, Cancelo is not thought to have a long-term future in Manchester, with manager Pep Guardiola keen to have players who are 100% committed to the club.
There have been other suitors for Cancelo
Arsenal are known to be keen admirers of the fullback but, following their decision to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax, the Gunners have seemingly cooled their interest.
A move back to Italy has also been posited, with former club Inter Milan reportedly interested, but Barcelona do look to be Cancelo’s most likely destination currently.
