According to transfer expert Dean Jones of GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal is still interested in defender Joao Cancelo of Manchester City.
Jones claims that the 29-year-old’s transfer is now on hold while the Gunners work to finalize agreements for Jurrien Timber of Ajax and Declan Rice of West Ham United.
Arsenal transfer news – Joao Cancelo
Rudy Galetti, an Italian writer, recently revealed GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are interested in signing Cancelo, who, according to Spotrac, makes £250,000 per week at the Etihad.
However, the north London club has other players in mind besides the full-back. The Athletic announced on Wednesday that they have reached a £105 million agreement with West Ham for Rice.
While they too appear to be quite interested in Timber, it is obvious that Arsenal genuinely wants the England midfielder at the Emirates.
The Dutch defender will be signed by the Premier League team, according to the MailOnline.
What has Dean Jones stated regarding Arsenal and Joao Cancelo?
Once they are done with Rice and Timber, Jones has claimed that Arsenal might make a play for Cancelo.
The journalist claimed in a statement to GIVEMESPORT: “Arsenal do still have an eye on Cancelo, but that one needs to wait because they already have plenty on their plate to deal with. This week is a critical one for Arsenal because contracts for Rice and Jurrien Timber need to be finalized.
“I’ve seen an increase of Arsenal supporters denouncing Edu during talks. I’ve been on transfer shows when everyone would say, “Edu Out,” because they were upset with the difficulty of securing significant transfers, but perhaps now they will be content.
At Arsenal, where would Joao Cancelo play?
Cancelo is a great choice for any club wanting to strengthen their defense this summer because of his versatility, which enables him to play either left-back or right-back.
The idea that the Portugal international can enter the middle of the pitch and begin playing like a midfielder may also appeal to Mikel Arteta.
“He is acting as a full-back, but not in the traditional sense. Rio Ferdinand, a former player for Manchester United, made the remark about Cancelo during the 2020–21 season on BT Sport (via MailOnline).
“His position is inside the pitch, almost as a pivot once they get good possession.”
Arsenal really must acquire Cancelo, who cost City £60m when he acquired him from Juventus, according to BBC Sport.