Arsenal’s interest in Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo is reportedly intensifying. However, is a move for the Portuguese left-back realistic?

• Arsenal have shown interest in Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich.
• Mikel Arteta is reportedly interested in adding Cancelo to his squad, but Manchester City’s reluctance to strengthen a direct rival may hinder an Arsenal Cancelo transfer.
• Cancelo’s impressive performance at Bayern Munich may attract other suitors, making Arsenal’s pursuit even more challenging.

Joao Cancelo, the Manchester City defender currently on loan at Bayern Munich, has been linked to Arsenal, following whispers of a fallout with City manager Pep Guardiola.

Reports are rife with Arsenal’s purported interest in Cancelo. Still, many are pondering, is it likely that the Gunners can make a successful move for the Portuguese full-back this summer?

Despite the player’s impressive performance at Bayern Munich this season, where he netted three goals and provided 10 assists in 44 appearances, a transfer to Arsenal might be a tall order.

Arsenal Cancelo chase – many factors in play

Rumours suggest that Mikel Arteta is eyeing Cancelo as a potential addition to his squad once the player’s loan spell at Bayern Munich concludes.

However, Bayern has a €70m buy option for the Portuguese, and it’s uncertain whether they will exercise it. If not, Cancelo will head back to City, where his future remains unclear due to alleged conflicts with Guardiola.

While Arsenal could potentially benefit from the tumultuous relationship between Guardiola and Cancelo, the transfer would be complex to negotiate.

Last summer, Manchester City let go of two players – Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus – to Arsenal, with both turning out to be shrewd acquisitions for the London side.

Consequently, City may be wary of strengthening a direct rival yet again, especially as Arsenal’s title challenge is only likely to grow stronger.

Cancelo’s record in Germany is impressive, matching his previous goal contributions at City.

He’s undoubtedly a valuable asset in the attacking third, something that Arsenal could utilise given the uncertainty surrounding Kieran Tierney’s future at the club.

However, the move is still a long shot, especially considering the interest from other football giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Cancelo’s loan to Bayern Munich followed a period of reduced playing time under Guardiola at City.

The Portuguese defender’s dissatisfaction with his situation led to a surprise January move to the German champions. Despite being a key part of City’s recent success, the rise of Nathan Aké and Guardiola’s trust in his defensive alternatives permitted Cancelo’s temporary departure.

Even though Cancelo denied having issues with Guardiola, stating his move was influenced by a desire for more game time, the player’s future at City remains uncertain.

Arsenal’s interest is undoubtedly piqued, but whether the Gunners can pull off this ambitious transfer remains to be seen.