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Arteta grinning after Arsenal handed huge boost in pursuit of Man City star; he is destined to leave

Phil-Foden-and-Joao-Cancelo-of-Manchester-City

Bayern Munich are reportedly ‘unlikely’ to sign Manchester City star Joao Cancelo permanently this summer, giving Arsenal a boost in the race for his signature. 

Mikel Arteta is thought to be a big admirer of the Portugal international and has made signing a new full-back one of his transfer priorities.

Now, Cancelo could potentially be available on the transfer market. So, it wouldn’t be a major surprise to see Arsenal launch a bid for him.

The 28-year-old ditched Man City for the Bundesliga in January, signing for Bayern Munich on loan until the end of the season.

Reports suggest that the German giants have the option to buy Cancelo permanently for €70m (approx. £60.9m). But, according to reputed journalist Florian Plettenberg, that is unlikely to happen.

On Twitter, he said: “News on Cancelo: Been told that it‘s very difficult to sign him permanently.

“Even Cancelo himself does not expect to play for Bayern beyond the end of the season.

“Tendency at this stage: He will leave Bayern in the summer but the bosses are trying to find a solution. Option to buy: €70m.”

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Arsenal eyeing Cancelo swoop

Now, with Bayern seemingly out of the race for Cancelo, this could open the door for Arsenal.

As mentioned, Arteta wants to sign a new full-back this summer. This is because Kieran Tierney is being heavily linked with a move to Newcastle.

Therefore, the Gunners will have to bring in a replacement for him. Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy is one potential option. But, with Cancelo now potentially available, Arsenal could switch their focus.

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Arteta is extremely keen to sign the Man City outcast this summer, with Pep Guardiola willing to let Cancelo leave.

Indeed, Cancelo could join the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus who have already made the switch from the Etihad to the Emirates.

Zinchenko and Jesus have already made a huge impact at Arsenal, so a move for the Portuguese player is a mouth-watering prospect.

Since joining Man City in 2019, Cancelo has made 154 appearances under Guardiola. In the process, he has scored nine goals and made 22 assists.

Now, since signing for Bayern, he has played 13 times in the Bundesliga, scoring one goal and making four assists.

Before leaving the Cityzens in January, he was widely considered to be one of the Premier League champion’s best players. So, his departure was quite a shock. Many speculated there had been a fallout behind the scenes.

Man City won’t sell him cheaply, though. At the very least, Arsenal will have to pay the €70m (approx. £60.9m) outlined in his loan agreement with Bayern.

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