Report: Man City coach Pep Guardiola now ‘pleased to sell’ £70m star at the Etihad
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth told futaa online that Manchester City may not be able to demand a fee as high as £70 million to end Joao Cancelo’s tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
After guiding the Citizens to a historic treble in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, manager Pep Guardiola is anxious to bolster his roster.
Joao Cancelo — Man City transfer news
According to the German publication Kicker, Cancelo is Mikel Arteta’s top transfer target and could sign with Arsenal before the start of the forthcoming season.
The report indicates that Arsenal’s manager, who worked with the Portugal international during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, views him as an ideal option as he seeks to bolster his full-back options.
Recently, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano told thesoccerstand that Arsenal “appreciates” Cancelo, prompting the north London club to monitor his situation.
Guardiola may choose not to include the 29-year-old in the Manchester City squad that travels to Japan for a preseason training camp because he is anxious for a transfer to be approved.
Barcelona has also shown interest in Cancelo, who has returned to the Etihad Stadium after Bayern Munich declined to exercise their £61 million purchase option at the conclusion of his loan tenure.
What did Dharmesh Sheth say concerning Cancelo?
Sheth doubts that Manchester City will be able to recoup a fee in excess of £70 million, given that the club has already shown a willingness to transfer Cancelo to Bayern for a lower price.
However, a reputable journalist has learned that Guardiola is still anxious to offload the £250,000-per-week player before the transfer window closes.
Sheth stated to thesoccerstand, “I just question if they can still demand £70 million for Cancelo.
“Of course, the contract situation would dictate that they could, but since it didn’t happen with Bayern, I question if other clubs are now looking at it and thinking, ‘you were more than willing to let him go. You had an option placed on him in January, so why are we offering such a high price when we know you no longer want him at the club?’
This could impact how much money the city is able to obtain. But all indications are that City would welcome Cancelo’s departure from the club.”
What is next for Manchester City?
CBS Sports reports that Al-Hilal have informed the reigning Premier League champions that they are willing to pay £60 million for Bernardo Silva. Cancelo is not the only high-profile player who could be leaving Manchester City.
The report indicates that the Saudi Pro League club is prepared to offer the winger a contract worth close to £43 million per year, but he has not yet made a decision on his future despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
In an effort to halt speculation over whether Silva will remain with Guardiola’s squad, Manchester City has presented Silva with a new contract offer.
The current contract, which pays the 28-year-old £150,000 per week, will expire in the summer of 2025.
Silva has contributed to 114 goals while wearing the Manchester City jersey, garnering an abundance of hardware along the road.
Report: Man City coach Pep Guardiola now ‘pleased to sell’ £70m star at the Etihad