In a recent edition of the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast, transfer insider Dean Jones stated that Barcelona are facing competition from Arsenal for Manchester City ace Joao Cancelo. Jones said,
“I think the defence will see an addition in. I still think that Cancelo is a possibility, and Barca are sniffing around that one too, but if that drags on and Cancelo is still available in a few weeks or a month’s time I could see that being an August deal that Arsenal do look to do. To put the icing on the cake, maybe another forward who could be an alternator for Saka, that’s basically what I’ve been told to look out for at this point.”
Cancelo’s Decent Loan Spell At Bayern Munich
The Portuguese sensation enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Bavarian club in the previous campaign after he produced a run of impressive performances on the right side of their defence. Cancelo played in 21 matches for the German club last season, finding the back of the net once and securing six assists across all fronts.
The Barreiro-born talent was a decent contributor in both halves based on his average of 1.5 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 0.8 shots, 0.9 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga. He even interchanged possession well with his teammates from the right flank as he made 85.1% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Barcelona Are Facing Competition Form Arsenal For Cancelo: Is He Worth The Fight?
Cancelo is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his side inside his half. He can clear the danger when needed and has also got the eye to make some decent plays for his teammates from the right wing. The Portugal international is a good dribbler with the ball as well and can strike the ball purely from long range.
Cancelo has got the quality and winning mindset to be a success story at a top club like Barcelona. He has what it takes to earn a regular starting spot in Xavi’s first XI at the Nou Camp next season.
Furthermore, Cancelo could help the Catalan club challenge for some major honours over the next few years. Thus, he will be well worth the fight, so Xavi should focus on going all out to get him on board this summer.
