Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal 'appreciate' Joao Cancelo as Bayern clear transfer path

Arsenal are interested in a summer move for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, according to Fabrizio Romano - and they have been handed a boost in their pursuit.

Cancelo left the Etihad Stadium to move to Bayern in January in search of more first team opportunities.

The 29-year-old has started 17 games for the German club in all competitions, but his loan spell at the Allianz Arena hasn't been completely successful.

He initially struggled for game time upon the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, having been brought to the club by previous boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Romano reported last month that Bayern had no intention of triggering the €70 million buy clause contained in Cancelo's loan contract, although they would consider negotiating with City to drive that fee down. According to Spanish outlet Sport, he could be available for €40 million.

Now, the transfer journalist has reiterated his previous report, and given an update on Arsenal's interest.

Romano on Cancelo

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano again confirmed that Bayern will not pay the €70 million required to bring Cancelo to the Allianz Arena on a permanent basis.

He explained: "I can guarantee, as I told you multiple times, that [Bayern] will not pay that money for Cancelo. Bayern are not paying the clause.

"Let's see what the new board will do, together with Thomas Tuchel. If they want to negotiate, they can do it with Manchester City.

"In any case, from what I understand, Manchester City are allowed to let Joao Cancelo leave the club this summer.

"For Manchester City, it is important to find some club for Cancelo and to find a solution for the player. They are happy with the full-back situation they have, so there is nothing in their plans to keep Cancelo in the first team squad next season."

Romano added that both Barcelona and Arsenal are interested in signing the Portugal defender - but stated that the relationship between both City and the Gunners in terms of being Premier League rivals could affect the deal.

He explained: "He's one of the players that Arsenal appreciate. At the moment, there is not a negotiation yet - we have to see how negotiations between Manchester City and Arsenal will be after [the signings of] Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus."