Transfer Talk: City Can cash in on Joao as Gunners lie in wait

Joao Cancelo missed out on Manchester City's Treble triumph but is set to return to the club following the conclusion of his loan spell at Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese defender won the Bundesliga during his time in Germany but the Bavarians are not willing to bring the full-back to Munich on a permanent basis.

Arsenal in the race to sign Cancelo but the Gunners may face competition from clubs across Europe.

We take a look at the 29-year-old's options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Gunning for glory

Mikel Arteta's Gunners ran City close in the Premier League title race this season but they lacked the squad depth to take the champions all the way.

Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko both swapped the Etihad for the Emirates last term and were key figures in Arsenal's title charge.

The addition of Cancelo would provide even more competition for places in North London, with the former Benfica defender capable of playing at left or right-back, as well as in midfield.

Cancelo culture

Thomas Tuchel has claimed that he loves Cancelo despite the defender not looking likely to stay with the Bundesliga champions.

The German joined Bayern late in the season following the dismissal of Julian Nageslmann and has relied heavily on the 42-cap international's versatility.

He said: "I think he feels very comfortable here. But in the end, all parties in such a loan deal are part of the decision.

"Regardless, I love him. His qualities and desire to train are unique.

"Of course, he still has room to become part of the team and contribute his skills to the team. I have a feeling he's really happy."

The Barca way

Barcelona have been linked with dozens of players since Xavi arrived at the helm and Cancelo is the latest in a long list of names to be tipped for a move to the Camp Nou.

The Blaugrana won LaLiga title at a canter this term and the addition of a ball-playing defender like Cancelo could help them on their journey to retain the crown in 2023-24.

During the previous season at Bayern, the Portuguese completed 621 passes, 34 long balls and attempted 35 crosses.

City's three-time Premier League winner is capable of retaining the ball but also beating his man and his ability makes him an ideal candidate to challenge Jules Kounde for a spot at right-back in Catalonia.

A wanted man

Several clubs are in with a shot of landing Cancelo after he fell out with Pep Guardiola.

The 5ft 9in ace reportedly behaved inappropriately after being dropped by his Spanish boss and has since been told that there is no way for him to revive his career at City.

Therefore, the Treble winners are likely to lower their asking price to offload Cancelo and Xavi has previously expressed a desire to sign him.

He said: "We wanted Joao Cancelo at Barca in January, he was offered and we said yes.

"Manchester City discussed that internally and then told us they did not want to allow Joao to join Barcelona."

Barca and Arsenal would both be attractive moves for Cancelo but if City decide not to sell to a potential rival, a lower asking price could open up a wealth of options.