Joao Cancelo transfer news odds: Arsenal in contention to sign £60m-rated Man City star, Barcelona lead Newcastle

BARCELONA and Arsenal are leading contenders to sign Portugal international Joao Cancelo.

That's according to bookmakers Betfair, who have Mikel Arteta's side available at 3/1 to complete a deal for the Manchester City star before the transfer window shuts in September.

The 29-year-old was hugely influential at the Etihad, scoring nine goals and providing 22 assists in 154 appearances since joining from Juventus in 2019.

He's won three Premier League titles and the Carabao Cup during his four-season stay with the Manchester heavyweights.

But despite having a contract that runs until June 2027, his days at Manchester City look to be numbered.

Cancelo spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan with Bayern Munich having had a fall-out with Pep Guardiola.

The Bundesliga champions didn't trigger a £60million clause to purchase Cancelo on a permanent basis, but could return depending on whether or not City will lower their valuation.

Barcelona are favourites at 6/4.

Manager Xavi revealed that Barcelona were initially offered the player in January before City decided against the move taking place.

The Barcelona boss 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."

Reports from Germany claim Arteta and Co have expressed interest in signing Cancelo, who would join ex-City stars Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus in North London.

Takehiro Tomiyasu isn’t expected back from injury until the beginning of September after having to undergo a knee operation, while Ben White is naturally a centre-back.

The Gunners are offered at 3/1, a fraction ahead of Bayern Munich at 4/1 and any Saudi Pro League Club at 6/1.

There's a clutch of clubs in behind with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid offered at 7/1 and 15/2 respectively, while Newcastle are further back at 9s.

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