Joao Cancelo's Admission Serves as a Warning to Mikel Arteta Regarding Arsenal Transfer

Joao Cancelo’s Admission Serves as a Warning to Mikel Arteta Regarding Arsenal Transfer

Joao Cancelo has been linked with a move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

Before the summer transfer window, Arsenal has been linked with a surprise bid for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international impressed during his time with City, but he fell out of favor with Pep Guardiola and was consequently loaned out to Bayern Munich for the remainder of the season.

According to sources, the full-back is unlikely to be reintegrated into the City team upon his return, leaving his future uncertain. It might allow the Gunners to make a bid to help cut the distance on their championship rivals, with Edu Gaspar already revealing that plans for the summer window are being formed.

“It’s already started because you know what’s happening in the market everybody is doing stuff,” the Brazilian said of Arsenal’s preparation for the summer back in March. “You have to plan with people as well just to be prepared so when you go again in the summer you are very prepared.”

However, given the recent scenario at City that led to his loan leave, there may be some reservations about Cancelo’s suitability for Arsenal. The defender may have even told Mikel Arteta that he is a “difficult personality” when they discussed his departure in January.

When asked about the exit, he stated, “It was by mutual agreement.” City wouldn’t let me leave if they didn’t want to because I had a contract. I’m really professional, and I’ve always put up a good show for all the clubs. Yes, I have a challenging personality, but I have never disrespected teammates or coaches.”

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will make a major approach for the defender, but it may be a risk-reward transaction.