Arsenal are eyeing a move for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo this summer, according to The Telegraph.
The Gunners are looking to reinforce their squad for European football next season. They have earmarked the Portuguese international as a potential addition.
Cancelo is out of favour at City. He fell out with manager Pep Guardiola. He moved to Bayern Munich on loan in January, but the Bavarians don’t want to sign him permanently.
However, he does not want to return to City and will find a new club. Arsenal could be an option for him.
Although, the Gunners are wary that City might reject any offer they bring for Cancelo. Arsenal already took Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from City last summer.
Those two signings helped push Arsenal far in the title race, and the Cityzens are not keen on strengthening their rivals again.
Arsenal need a new right-back. Ben White has played there for the Gunners but is a centre-back by trade. A new right-back will help him return to his natural position.
Also, Takehiro Tomiyasu has been dealing with niggling injuries since he arrived from Bologna. The Gunners need one or even two right-backs for next season.
The North Londoners showed interest in signing 18-year-old Real Valladolid sensation Ivan Fresneda in January.
They could return for the talented teen right-back if they fail to get Cancelo. Man City have all the leverage as he recently signed a new contract that runs till 2027.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta worked briefly with the 28-year-old at City before taking over as head coach of the Gunners. He knows all about him.
In addition to the Cancelo pursuit, Arsenal are preparing a £92 million offer to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
The 24-year-old is a top target for Arsenal as they seek to sign two new defensive midfielders. Granit Xhaka is heading out of the club and to Bayer Leverkusen.
