End of an era at Man City, as Barcelona agree terms with superstar and Al Nassr swoop for another

Pep Guardiola’s defensive line could soon be without two of its most established stars after Barcelona agreed personal terms with one player and Al Nassr mobilised for another, per reports.

Man City are arguably the finest club side around at present. Indeed, their treble last season is proof of that.

However, Guardiola has never been one to sit still and a squad that conquered all before them has already undergone major change this summer.

Indeed, Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona as a free agent, while Riyad Mahrez was lured to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli to the tune of £30m.

Kyle Walker remains the subjects of talks with Bayern Munich. However, the veteran full-back might not be the only big-name defender to leave the Etihad this summer.

Indeed, Barcelona have been chasing Joao Cancelo since the January window and according to Fabrizio Romano, they’ve now agreed personal terms with the player.

Romano confirmed the news on Twitter before adding talks between Man City and Barcelona regarding the transfer fee and payment structure have begun.

While not stated by Romano, prior reports have claimed City value the 29-year-old around the €50m (approx. £43m) mark.

Cancelo was among City’s top performers between 2020-22 and was named in successive PFA Teams of the Season.

Cancelo even earned a place in the 2022 FIFPro World XI, though Guardiola’s formation change to a 3-2-4-1 saw the full-back frozen out.

The Portuguese was loaned to Bayern Munich in January and a move to another European giant in Barcelona is now on the cards.

Laporte heading to Saudi Arabia?

Elsewhere, the impending arrival of Croatian colossus, Josko Gvardiol, is set to push Aymeric Laporte out.

The Spaniard, 29, has won five Premier League titles since arriving from Athletic Bilbao for £57m in 2017.

Laporte lost his place as a regular starter to Nathan Ake last season. With another left-footer in Gvardiol on the way, Laporte’s time is up.

According to journalist Rudy Galletti, Saudi side Al Nassr are primed to ‘intensify talks’ over the signing of Laporte.

That comes on the back of Al Nassr seeing their pursuit of PSG’s Marquinhos come to nothing. Per Galletti, Laporte is now in their sights and given Gvardiol is coming, a deal for Laporte looks there for the making.

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