In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, transfer insider Dean Jones claimed that Arsenal could move in for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo this summer. Jones said,
“The full-back situation is interesting because Cancelo is still expected to leave and there has also been all the uncertainty around Kyle Walker.
“But what we also know is that Guardiola has moved away from the model that Cancelo used to thrive in and further than that, seems content with the idea he doesn’t stay.
“The big question is, where will he go? Barcelona are primed if it is cheap enough or on loan so if there is to be something soon, it’s probably that. Arsenal has been touted and that case has been very quiet for now – but it may not stay that way.
“My information is that if Cancelo is still there for the taking later in the window, Arsenal may well look to strike a deal. It’s not been totally forgotten about, it’s just not a main priority. More of a luxury.”
Cancelo’s Impressive Loan Spell At The Allianz Arena
Cancelo enjoyed a decent loan spell at Bayern Munich last season as he put in a few decent displays on the right side of their backline. The 29-year-old participated in 21 matches for the Bavarian club in the previous campaign, netting one goal and picking up six assists across all competitions.
The Barreiro-born talent did well to average 1.5 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 0.8 shots, 0.9 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. He even distributed possession relatively well from the right flank after completing 85.1% of his attempted passes in the German top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Snap Cancelo Up?
Cancelo is a tough-tackling full-back who can scan the danger quickly to make some timely interceptions for his team when he is playing with confidence on the field. The Portugal international has got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates from the right flank. He is a decent dribbler with the ball as well.
Cancelo will no doubt enhance the quality of Arsenal‘s defence. He is good enough to earn a regular starting spot in Mikel Arteta‘s first XI.
Cancelo has got the winning mindset to help the Gunners challenge for some major honours in the not-too-distant future. Thus, Arteta would be wise to snap him up this summer.
