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Arsenal

Premier League • England

Thomas Tuchel throws curveball and claims Arsenal target is ‘really happy’ at Bayern Munich

Ben Stewart
Bundesliga, season 2022/2023, FSV FSV FSV Mainz 05 - FC Bayern Munich Muenchen jubilation , goaljubel , gesture , gesture , FCB Sadio Mané , Mane , FCB Joshua Kimmich , FCB João Joao Cancelo

Thomas Tuchel has insisted that Arsenal target Joao Cancelo is content at Bayern Munich as speculation over his future continues.

Pep Guardiola made the brave decision to let Cancelo leave in the January transfer window. Bayern then took the option to sign him on loan.

Guardiola’s decision has been vindicated in the end as Man City have gone from strength to strength since his departure.

The Portuguese full-back’s future is now up in the air as Man City will be looking to cash in on him this summer.

Arsenal have registered an interest in the full-back however, Tuchel has hinted that the 28-year-old could yet stay in Germany.

“I have the impression that Joao Cancelo feels very comfortable here,” the German manager explained in a press conference.

“But all parties are part of the decision. His desire in training is unique. I have the feeling that he’s really happy. We’ll discuss everything else after the end of the season.”

Playing as an inverted full-back, Cancelo had been key to Man City winning the title last season. He registered seven assists and started in 36 matches.

Behind-the-scenes issues seemed to be at play this season though as he fell out of favour with Guardiola.

In the absence of the Portuguese defender, Rico Lewis has stepped up and Guardiola has further tinkered with the system.

Arsenal moves makes sense 

Given the link Arsenal now have with Man City, a move for Cancelo would tick a lot of boxes for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta will be keen to add more experience to the squad and someone like Cancelo can offer that in abundance.

Especially as Granit Xhaka could leave this summer, it is vital that Arsenal replace his leadership qualities in the dressing room.

It has been claimed that the 30-year-old is heading back to Germany for personal reasons as Bayern Leverkusen step up their interest.

Xhaka has been a regular since Arteta’s arrival and while Arsenal have usually signed younger players, they will need to look at some more experienced heads too.

In terms of Cancelo, it does seem as if he will be on the move one way or another in the summer, with City keen to sell.

“Man City are going to be looking at a left-back, that’s for sure, because Joao Cancelo doesn’t seem particularly intent on coming back,” Ben Jacobs exclusively told TEAMtalk in mid-March.

“It’s only a loan deal but there’s a very strong possibility that he doesn’t play another game for Man City after falling out with Pep Guardiola.”

Bayern are understood to hold an option to sign Cancelo for around £60.9million. It has been reported that the German club are not prepared to pay this, although Tuchel’s latest quotes will surely cause a stir.

READ MORE: Arsenal step up interest in Liverpool target with £105m release clause as Arteta ponders Xhaka alternatives