Joao Cancelo: Barcelona Reopen Talks to Sign Manchester City Outcast

• Barcelona have reignited their bid for Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo
• Cancelo was left out of Manchester City’s squad for their Premier League opener
• The Portugal defender won both the Premier League and Bundesliga title last season

Barcelona are not giving up on their pursuit of signing Joao Cancelo this summer after the Catalan club reopened talks with Manchester City for the Portugal defender.

The 27-year-old has been identified as one of Barcelona’s key transfer targets as they look to strengthen their defence with Xavi, a key admirer of the Man City ace.

According to Football Espana, Xavi Hernandez has identified Cancelo as his preferred option, as Barcelona has contacted both Man City and the Portuguese international’s representatives over a possible deal.

Cancelo is not in Pep Guardiola’s plans this season after the defender was not dressed for Manchester City’s opening Premier League win against Burnley on Friday night, and Barca looks to swoop in.

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Barcelona currently has money available to reinvest in the transfer market due to the sales of Franck Kessie to Saudi Arabian team Al Ahli and Ousmane Dembele to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal enter race for Cancelo

Meanwhile, Barcelona will have to contend with last season’s Premier League runners-up, Arsenal, after the Gunners entered the race to sign Joao Cancelo from Machester City, Football FanCast reports.

Arsenal will need to offload players first if they move for the former Bayern Munich loanee Manchester City is desperate to offload this summer after his fallout with manager Pep Guardiola last season.

The Gunners' total window outlay already exceeds £200mil, and they will need to balance the books if any other new signings are on the agenda before September 1.

Cancelo’s move to Barcelona in danger

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Barcelona’s bid to sign Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo is in danger just days after the Catalan club agreed personal terms with the Portugal international.

Barcelona agree personal terms with Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo

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The Catalan club’s main goal is to reinforce the right-back position by bringing Cancelo to Camp Nou this season, as Xavi is a keen admirer of the Man City defender.

Saudi teams are now ready to hijack the deal for Cancelo from Barcelona as the Catalan club’s negotiations with Manchester City for the right-back have fizzled out in recent days.