According to a report from The Sun, Arsenal are reportedly considering a surprising move for Joao Cancelo. In a boost for the Gunners, Bayern Munich have decided not to exercise their £60 million option to buy Joao Cancelo, which means the full-back will be returning to Manchester City.
Cancelo’s Impressive Performances This Season
In a surprising turn of events during the January transfer window, Joao Cancelo made a move from Manchester City. Despite being a regular starter under Pep Guardiola in the first half of the season, he joined Bayern Munich on loan. Both clubs, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, have secured their respective league titles this season. The Portuguese international has appeared in 21 matches for the Bavarian side, scoring once during his time in the Bundesliga. Prior to his loan spell, Cancelo made 26 appearances for Manchester City.
Cancelo has showcased his abilities at both ends of the pitch, as reflected in his impressive average of 1.7 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.9 key passes, and 2.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. Moreover, his passing accuracy stands at an impressive 85.6% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Is Cancelo A decent Fit For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Joao Cancelo’s versatility and skillset make him a potentially valuable addition to Arsenal under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. The Portuguese defender has showcased his defensive and offensive abilities, with strong tackling, good positional awareness, and the ability to contribute to the attack.
Cancelo’s ability to play as a full-back or wing-back aligns with Arteta’s tactical preferences, as the Arsenal boss often deploys a system that emphasizes the overlapping runs and attacking contributions from the full-back positions. Cancelo’s proficiency in dribbling and his eye for key passes can enhance Arsenal‘s attacking threat from wide areas.
Additionally, Cancelo’s experience playing for top clubs like Manchester City and Bayern Munich brings valuable know-how and a winning mentality to the North London club. His technical skills, defensive acumen, and versatility could provide a boost to Arsenal’s defensive stability while adding a potent attacking dimension. Considering Arteta’s emphasis on building a strong and cohesive squad, Cancelo’s adaptability and quality make him a potential asset for the Gunners.
